Argues for the recognition of American theatre history as long, rich, diverse and critically compelling.Embracing all epochs of theatre history, from pre-colonial Native American performance rituals and the endeavours of early colonisers in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, to the end of the twentieth century, Theresa Saxon situates American theatre as a lively, dynamic and diverse arena. She considers the implications of political manoeuvrings, economics - state-funding and commercial enterprises - race and gender, as well as material factors such as technology, riot and fire, as major forces in determining the structure of America's playhouses and productions. She goes on to investigate critical understandings of the term 'theatre,' and assesses ways in which the various values of commerce, entertainment, education and dramatic production have informed the definition of theatre throughout America's history. ‘In the title of this review I called Saxon’s book a "multipurpose theatre history" because besides reviewing over 2000 years of performance history in the Americas––an awe-inspiring accomplishment in itself––it challenges received views of that history and highlights histories of diverse regions, focalizing political changes that affected theatre and drama over these centuries. Saxon’s history is remarkable not simply for its scope and systematically maintained focus, but also because it insists on demonstrating that theatre has not simply been responding to social change through its long history but has also actively served as a "platform" (1) to examine shifting gender, racial, class, and ethnic identities. It is also a special merit of American Theatre that it consistently foregrounds the story and contribution of marginalized and minority groups to theatre and ritual as well as the overall cultural landscape of the Americas. The book certainly is multifunctional as an ideal source of criticism of American drama and theatre, a superb guidebook for central events in American theatre and drama history, and a review of forgotten facts and figures in that narrative.’- Gabriella Varró, University of Debrecen, Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies -- Gabriella Varró, University of Debrecen ― Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies In this compact and highly readable volume, Theresa Saxon introduces readers to a wide breadth of over four hundred years of American theatre and performance history. Given that mandate, Saxon's choice to draw upon a wide range of sources not generally available in theatre history texts and to highlight the early performance histories of Native Americans and African Americans is particularly noteworthy and commendable. -- Lisa Merrill, Ph.D., Professor of Performance Studies, Hofstra University, USA Author Approved"In this compact and highly readable volume, Theresa Saxon introduces readers to a wide breadth of over four hundred years of American theatre and performance history. Given that mandate, Saxon's choice to draw upon a wide range of sources not generally available in theatre history texts and to highlight the early performance histories of Native Americans and African Americans is particularly noteworthy and commendable."Lisa Merrill, Ph.D., Professor of Performance Studies, Hofstra University, USA[Add BAAS series logo + blurb]American TheatreHistory, Context, FormTheresa SaxonPresents American theatre history as long, rich, diverse and critically compellingThe standard history of America's Puritan heritage, with its emphasis on theatre bans and rigorous policing of performance activities, has stood in the way of a fully developed understanding of theatre in America. Whilst critics have, in recent years, developed our knowledge of American theatre, the predominant focus has been the twentieth century. This book sets out to redress that critical imbalance. Close examination of America's theatre history reveals a diverse, stimulating and relevant body of work, one that is crucial to understanding the range of cultural and social developments across the nation. Drawing on Native American and African non-print cultures, the author explores performance histories in America not predicated on colonial record. This analysis draws performance dramas into contact with theatre and demonstrates that the rich and compelling diversity of theatre in American is, and always was, more than a replication of imported European forms.Key Features* Looks at the long history of American theatre from pre-colonial Native American performance rituals to the end of the twentieth century* Pays attention to generally overlooked pre-20th-century dramatic forms* Examines theatre in conjunction with performance history and ritual drama* Locates American thea Theresa Saxon is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire.