Staged Readings: Contesting Class in Popular American Theater and Literature, 1835-75

Staged Readings explores the social consequences of 19th-century Americas two most prevalent leisure forms: theater and popular literature, examining best-selling novels, sensational melodramas, parlor theatricals, doomsday speeches, tableau vivant displays, curiosity museum exhibits, and fake volcano explosions. It will be particularly appealing to those interested in histories of popular theater, literature and reading, social class, and mass culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Staged Readings: Exploring the Social Consequences of 19th-Century Americas Two Most Prevalent Leisure Forms
Staged Readings is a groundbreaking study that delves into the social consequences of two of the most prevalent leisure forms in 19th-century Americas: theater and popular literature. Set against the backdrop of significant historical developments, including numerous waves of immigration, two financial Panics, increasing wealth disparities, and the Civil War, American theater and literature experienced unprecedented growth and transformation. Playhouses became crowded with new spectators, best-selling novels flew off the shelves, and distinct social classes began to emerge. While the middle and upper classes embraced conservative literary tastes and attended family matinees and operas, laborers indulged in dime novels and were captivated by downtown spectacle melodramas like Nymphs of the Red Sea and The Pirates Signal or, The Bridge of Death!!! As audiences traveled from the reading parlor to the playhouse (and back again), they accumulated a vital sense of social place in the new nation. In other words, culture made class in 19th-century America.
Based on a comprehensive historical archive, Staged Readings offers a panoramic display of mid-century leisure and entertainment. It examines best-selling novels such as Harriet Beecher Stowes Uncle Toms Cabin and George Lippards The Quaker City. However, it also analyzes a series of sensational melodramas, parlor theatricals, doomsday speeches, tableau vivant displays, curiosity museum exhibits, and fake volcano explosions. These oft-overlooked spectacles capitalized on consumers previous cultural encounters and directed their social identifications. The book will be particularly appealing to those interested in histories of popular theater, literature and reading, social class, and mass culture.
The study begins by examining the social context of theater and popular literature in 19th-century America. Theater was a popular form of entertainment that catered to a wide range of audiences, from the wealthy to the working class. It was often seen as a means of social mobility, as it provided opportunities for individuals to gain exposure to new ideas and experiences. Popular literature, on the other hand, was a form of entertainment that was accessible to a broader audience and was often used to convey social messages and values.
One of the key themes of Staged Readings is the impact of immigration on American theater and literature. Immigrants from various parts of the world brought with them their own cultural traditions, languages, and beliefs, which were often reflected in the plays and novels that they produced. This led to a rich and diverse cultural landscape that was unique to America. However, it also created tensions and conflicts between different groups, as immigrants competed for jobs, housing, and social status.
Another important theme of Staged Readings is the impact of the Civil War on American theater and literature. The war had a profound impact on the country, and it led to the emergence of new social and political movements. Theater and literature were used as a means of expressing these movements, and they played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. For example, plays such as Uncle Toms Cabin and The Quaker City were used to promote the abolition of slavery, while novels such as The Gilded Age and The Jungle were used to criticize the economic system.
In addition to these themes, Staged Readings also examines the impact of technology on American theater and literature. The introduction of new technologies such as electricity, sound, and film had a significant impact on the way that plays and novels were produced and consumed. It led to the development of new genres and styles, and it also made it easier for people to access entertainment. However, it also had some negative consequences, such as the commodification of culture and the erosion of traditional values.
One of the most interesting aspects of Staged Readings is the way that it uses a variety of sources to analyze its themes. The study includes primary sources such as plays, novels, and newspapers, as well as secondary sources such as academic books and articles. This allows the author to provide a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the social consequences of 19th-century Americas two most prevalent leisure forms.
One of the challenges that the author faces in Staged Readings is the fact that the study covers a wide range of topics and periods. This can make it difficult for readers to follow the argument and to understand the connections between different themes. However, the author does a good job of organizing the material and providing clear explanations of each theme.
In conclusion, Staged Readings is a groundbreaking study that explores the social consequences of two of the most prevalent leisure forms in 19th-century Americas: theater and popular literature. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the social context of these forms, as well as the impact of immigration, the Civil War, and technology on them. The book will be particularly appealing to those interested in histories of popular theater, literature and reading, social class, and mass culture.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472133178