[ebooks] Childhood and Nineteenth-Century American Theatre: The Work of the Marsh Troupe of Juvenile Actors (Theater in the Americas) by Shauna Vey in Arts-Photography

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. When you can feel the cinders on your face from the locomotive as shes describing theatrical touring in the 1850sBy Clancy fan from the startWhen you can feel the cinders on your face from the locomotive as shes describing theatrical touring in the 1850s. you know the author has not only done her research. but also knows how to communicate. Full disclosure: 40 years ago. Shauna was an undergrad. theatre major where I was a grad. assistant and later. after she earned her first grad. degree. we were fellow alums starting our careers in NYC. she in Equity stage management on Broadway. Other than Christmas cards. and a note announcing this book. we havent had occasion for contact in this century. I bought the Kindle version.This is a thorough. heartfelt and academically rigorous portrait of a very special group of people. each with their own motivations and expectations based in the mores of the time. Shauna consistently provides enough context so that we can understand their actions. without inundating us with atmosphere for its own sake. She uses the story of this troupe to show how the transition to todays attitudes about children began in the mid-19th century and the way that these attitudes informed each of these peoples lives.She also uses her own research and experience to prove that professional performing children are. indeed. young actors who bring their own unique gifts to the stage. I can attest to the truth of this. having seen it every day of my working life during 25 years with a state theatre.Her attention to academic rigor in her sources is beyond anything we learned from the faculty at the Theatre Research Institute: they never said anything about going to a cemetery to check the headstone. I know that her information about 19th century rural cemeteries is spot on: I run one as a volunteer - I can see it from my desk now.In my business. theatrical production. youre only as good as what you recommend. and I am very happy to recommend this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Fascinating and Engrossing Book!By Holly K.A fascinating and engrossing account of child performers in nineteenth-century United States. Ms Vey has brilliantly researched and brought to light a slice of American theatre. Focused on the Marsh Troupe. the book covers not only the players involved but also adult views of childhood itself and how it has changed throughout the eras. This is a highly recommended read for not only anyone involved in theatre but anyone looking for a interesting and unusual insight into American history.