Our Stage and Its Critics : By "E.F.S." of "The Westminster Gazette"

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Spence, Edward Fordham, 1860-1932

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Our Stage and Its Critics" by Edward Fordham Spence is a collection of essays written during the early 20th century, specifically around the year 1910. This work delves into the state of British drama, examining the roles and challenges of dramatic critics, as well as discussing the nuances of theatre production in England at that time. The author expresses a desire for a more vibrant national theatre that reflects the complexities and aspirations of modern life, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent among playwrights and performers. The opening of the book begins with a preface that articulates Spence's mixed feelings about the current condition of the British stage, oscillating between optimism and concern. He comments on the lack of originality in much of the theatre, lamenting how commercialism and tradition often overshadow genuine artistic expression. Spence discusses the progress made towards creating a modern national drama while holding the notion that many critiques of modern theatre stem from a misunderstanding of the public's appetite. The author sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the role of the critic as both a commentator and a participant in the dramatic arts, outlining the responsibilities and challenges they face in a rapidly evolving artistic landscape. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Linda Cantoni, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.

Notes:

Reading ease score: 50.3 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2004-09-09