Plays in the 1940s and 1950s
Scroll Through the titles and click on each for a link to more information, or find the attached document on the bottom for a quick synopsis of them all
Abstract:One common theme in plays and theatre scripts from 1940 to 1960 was the theoretical depth added and explored. Each play below experimented in new ideas, presenting controversial topics (such as homosexual relationship references in Streetcar Named Desire), and often in previously unexplored ways (Such as the series of flashbacks in The Glass Menagerie).
The Skin of our Teeth The Glass Menagerie The Death of a Salesman Streetcar Named Desire Cat On a Hot Tin Roof Cultural: After World War Two, race relations in America became the height of controversy. African Americans continued to face discrimination, and women still were not sufficiently represented in the workforce. Plays and theatre began arising that tried to disprove common stereotypes and assumptions of the time.
A Raisin in the Sun The Death of Bessie Smith A Taste of Honey
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Musical: 1940 to 1960 is considered to be the "Golden Age" of musical theatre. Especially during World War Two, people felt like they needed an escape, which the uplifting musicals provided for them. Though many musicals produced did have a happy ending, many were also serious in tone. Some musicals even featured the darker aspects of life, exploring musical aspects to present sad emotions, as well as happy ones.
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