Theatre Across Oceans: Mediators of Transatlantic Exchange, 1890-1925

The book "Theatre Across Oceans: Mediators of Transatlantic Exchange" explores the role of professional theatrical mediators (agents, brokers) in facilitating and controlling the transatlantic exchange between North and South America and Europe between 1890 and 1925. It argues that these mediators have not been sufficiently researched in theatre or historical studies, despite their enormous power in the period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Theatre Across Oceans: Mediators of Transatlantic Exchange offers a captivating journey into the intricate backstage realm of global cultural mobility during the transformative years between 1890 and 1925. Positioned within the domains of global history and theory, this book delves into the vibrant transatlantic exchange, focusing on the active interactions between North and South America, Europe, and other regions. Drawing upon a wealth of archival materials, the study compellingly argues that professional theatrical mediators, often overlooked in theatre and historical studies, played a pivotal role in facilitating and regulating this exchange. It is remarkable that while these mediators wielded significant power during the period under examination, their visibility in scientific research remains relatively limited, creating a striking contrast to their influential stature.

Theatre Across Oceans explores the intricate web of cultural exchange that flourished across the Atlantic Ocean during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It sheds light on the role of professional theatrical mediators, who played a crucial role in facilitating and shaping this transatlantic exchange. These mediators, often referred to as agents or brokers, were skilled individuals who navigated the complex terrain of artistic collaboration, negotiation, and promotion. They worked tirelessly to connect artists, producers, and audiences from different parts of the world, enabling the exchange of ideas, performances, and cultural practices.

One of the key findings of Theatre Across Oceans is that the transatlantic exchange was not just a one-way flow of cultural influence. Rather, it was a dynamic and reciprocal process that involved the active participation of artists, producers, and audiences from both the North and the South. The book highlights the ways in which theatrical mediators played a vital role in bridging the cultural gap, facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences between different regions. They worked closely with artists to negotiate contracts, arrange performances, and promote their work to international audiences. By doing so, they helped to establish new networks of artistic collaboration and promote cultural diversity.

Moreover, Theatre Across Oceans emphasizes the power of theatrical mediators in shaping the cultural landscape of the time. They played a crucial role in promoting specific artistic styles, genres, and ideologies, and in shaping public opinion and cultural values. Through their interventions, they were able to influence the direction of artistic development, and to shape the way in which audiences perceived and interpreted theatre and other forms of cultural expression.

However, the study also points out that the visibility of theatrical mediators in scientific research has been relatively limited. This is despite the significant contributions that these individuals made to the field of cultural studies. The book argues that the lack of attention to theatrical mediators is a missed opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of cultural exchange and the role that professionals play in shaping it.

To address this issue, Theatre Across Oceans offers a comprehensive analysis of the role of theatrical mediators in the transatlantic exchange. It draws upon a wide range of archival materials, including theatre programs, contracts, and personal correspondence, to provide a detailed account of the practices and strategies employed by these individuals. The book also explores the historical and cultural contexts in which theatrical mediators operated, and the ways in which they negotiated the complex web of artistic, economic, and political factors that shaped their work.

In conclusion, Theatre Across Oceans is a valuable contribution to the field of global history and cultural studies. It offers a fresh perspective on the transatlantic exchange, highlighting the role of professional theatrical mediators in facilitating and shaping this complex process. By examining the practices and strategies of these individuals, the book provides a deeper understanding of the cultural dynamics of the time, and the ways in which professionals played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of the world.

Weight: 465g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030763572
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021