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The Art Theater: Its Character as Differentiated From the Commercial Theater; Its Ideals and Organization; And a Record of Certain European and Americ
Paperback
Literary CriticismTheater History
ISBN13: 9781025283548
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 326
Weight: 1.01
Height: 0.68 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Art Theater is a seminal exploration of the early twentieth-century movement that sought to redefine the stage as a space for genuine artistic expression rather than mere commercial gain. Written by Sheldon Cheney, a prominent critic and historian, this work meticulously distinguishes the art theater from its mainstream, commercial counterparts, focusing on the aesthetic ideals and organizational structures that define this alternative approach to performance.
Cheney delves into the core principles of the movement, examining the role of the director, the importance of unified design, and the shift toward intimate, community-focused playhouses. The text provides a comprehensive record of influential European and American examples, offering readers a window into the evolution of modern drama and the Little Theater phenomenon. From stagecraft and set design to the practicalities of management and finance, the book serves as both a manifesto and a historical survey of a transformative era in the performing arts.
By analyzing the successes and challenges of early experimental theaters, The Art Theater captures a pivotal moment in cultural history when artists strove to reclaim the theater as a high art form. It remains an essential resource for students of theater history, directors, and anyone interested in the enduring tension between artistic integrity and commercial pressures.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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