Master's Theses

Department

Communication Studies

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

American drama was not firmly established, even by 1824. This fact can be seen by checking the subject matter used for plays in the United States up to this period. It is true that some American themes provided material for the stage, but the majority of plays had foreign themes. Charles II was of this latter class. The play, itself, is important for the opportunity it provides two great actors, Mr. Kemble and Mr. Fawcett, and the success it proved to be for its authors, John Howard Payne, and Washington Irving. The play is set in England during the Restoration. King Charles ruled from 1660 to 1685, and it was within this period the present production was limited. Authenticity was foremost and an exact reproduction of this period was attempted. Wherever possible the scenery, costuming, acting and direction were that of the Restoration Theatre. Such things as candles and proscenium doors could not be duplicated. The script used was from Representative American Plays by Arthur Hobson Quinn. This thesis is divided into four parts. These are: research, script, production and evaluation. It is in part four, evaluation, that a summary is given of the production. The thesis was written for directors who, it is hoped, may gain help from it. Language and terms are the theatre’s and the play is for the actor.

Keywords

Literary criticism, Literary analysis, Authors, English literature, Plays, Arthur Hobson Quinn (1875-1960)

Advisor

Dr. Ralph V. Coder

Date of Award

Summer 1952

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

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