The Theatre History Podcast

Dr. Amy Brady talks about her article in The Awl on Mary Virginia Farmer and her work with the Federal Theatre Project, in particular her production of the play The Sun Rises in the West.

Spain’s Siglo de Oro, or Golden Age, was a period in which the country’s political and economic power contributed to a cultural flowering that included a vibrant and prolific theatre scene. However, only a few plays from this era get taught in college classrooms or produced onstage. Barbara Fuchs of UCLA is trying to change this with the Diversifying the Classics project, which aims to take previously overlooked plays and translate them for an English-speaking audience.

Dr. Joel Berkowitz takes us on a tour of Yiddish theatre, past and present, explaining the origins and significance of this proud and vibrant performance tradition.

The Black Crook often appears (somewhat inaccurately) in history books as the first American musical. Joshua William Gelb has reimagined this important play, rewriting it to place it in its historical context.

Eric Swanson talks about his new musical, Edwin: The Story of Edwin Booth, which follows the life of the famous American Shakespearean actor.

The musicals of the 1940s feature an intriguing figure: the “boss lady.” Reflecting the social changes brought about by World War II, this figure showed women as competent, tough, and capable of taking charge. Dr. Maya Cantu explains where the “boss lady” came from, and how she takes a dominant role in some of the major musicals of the period.

Drug use isn’t exactly a new topic on the stage. Dr. Max Shulman joins us to tell the story of Madame X, the shocking play that served as a star vehicle for stage legend Sarah Bernhardt.