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Black Theatre
"By 1940 Black theatre was firmly grounded in the American Negro Theater and the Negro Playwrights’ Company" (Black Theatre). Following World War II, Black theatre grew more progressive, more radical and sometimes more militant, reflecting the ideals of Black revolution and to establish a mythology and symbolism apart from white culture. Councils were organized to abolish the use of racial stereotypes in theatre and to join African American playwrights into the mainstream of American dramaturgy. -
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Chapter 7: Post World War II European/Absurdists/American Drama (1940-1960)
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'Oklahoma!' is Produced
Rodgers and Hammerstein were the undisputed leaders of the Golden Age and their first collaboration, "Oklahoma!", traditionally marks the beginning of the Golden Age (Brockett). They created "Oklahoma!" in 1943, and it was "the first musical to feature a two person opening scene, a dream ballet, and the integration of song, dance, and dialogue" (Brockett). In 1944, Rodgers and Hammerstein were awarded a special Pulitzer Price for their creation of "Oklahoma!" (Brockett). -
"Death of A Salesman" is Produced
In 1949, "Death of A Salesman" was produced by American playwright Arthur Miller and it "focused on Willy Loman, an unsuccessful businessman who sacrifices personal happiness in a failed pursuit of material success" (Brockett). -
Berliner Ensemble was Established
"In Germany, Brecht and his wife, actress Helene Weigel, established the Berliner Ensemble in 1949 in East Berlin" (Brockett). Once they established the Berliner Ensemble, many popular plays were created and also many of Brecht's ideas were spread. "There they produced his socially conscious plays and toured the productions to other European countries, thereby spreading the Brechtian approach" (Brockett). The Brechtian method is a kind of model for approaching a production. -
Director of "The Bald Soprano"
"The Bald Soprano" was first popularized in 1950. Nicolas Bataille directed the premiere on May 11, 1950 at the Théâtre des Noctambules, Paris. "The director of the unchanged production, which has entered the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-running play at the same venue, was Nicolas Bataille, who has died aged 82" (Nicolas). With a record number of interpretations, it has become one of the most performed plays in France (Nicolas). -
First Group of Absurdist Playwrights Come Together
Several playwrights, who accepted the views of Sartre and Camus, came together and created the concept of Absurdism. These men weren't explicitly named, but they consisted mainly of people abandoning their faith after the horrific events of World War 2. "Albert Camus concluded that existence is absurd because the human longing for clarity is met with, and forever thwarted by, the irrationality of the universe into which humans have been thrown" (Brockett). -
Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
In 1953, Samuel Beckett wrote the play "Waiting for Godot". This play became one of the most influential absurdist plays (Brockett). This play is about two tramps in ragged clothes, and they wait for Godot, who is someone they "claim as an acquaintance but would not recognize if they saw him" (Brockett). As the play goes on, these two tramps convince themselves that there isn't meaning behind their existence. "Beckett's plays embody the absurdist vision and methods" (Brockett). -
Costume Designer for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"
In 1955, the play "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" was created. The wardrobe designer for this play was Helen Rose. "Helen Rose's wardrobe in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" is classic and timeless elegance at its best. This movie is over 50-years-old, yet absolutely everything could be worn today and still be completely stunning" (The Style Essentials). -
Andrew Webber Writes Six Pieces
Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote a suite of six pieces at the age of nine. His aunt Viola, an actress, took him to see many of her shows and through the stage door into the world of the theatre (A&E Networks Television). Webber has been rewarded many awards during his lifetime. "His company, the Really Useful Group, is one of the largest theatre operators in London. Producers in parts of the UK have staged productions, including national tours, of the Lloyd Webber musicals" (A&E Networks Television). -
"The Sound of Music" Broadway Opening
"The Sound of Music premiered at Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre November 16,1959, where it ran for more than 1,443 performances" (Vine). Mary Martin was 45 when she created the role of 22 year old Maria von Trapp in the Broadway opening of "The Sound of Music". She opened on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 16, 1959, and stayed in the show until October 1961 (Vine).
