Critical Introduction to Twentieth-Century American Drama

In this the third and final volume of his critical account of American drama in the twentieth century Christopher Bigsby turns from the text-oriented drama of Williams Miller and Albee (volume two) in order to trace other parallel theatrical developments of the post-war period including contemporary groups and playwrights.<P>'Beyond Broadway' denotes the geographical and spiritual challenges to prevailing standards which so fragmented the theatre of the 1960s in particular. Following his analysis of the Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway playwrights and theatres Dr Bigsby separates the period into four main areas: performance theatre (including the Living Theatre and the Performance Group); the conjunction of dance music and painting with drama in the 'theatre of images'; two successful contemporary playwrights Sam Shepard and David Mamet; and finally the committed theatre exemplified in for example the San Francisco Mime Troupe Chicano black and women's theatre.