Monthly Archives: May 2020
THIS DAY IN THEATRE HISTORY: Lope de Vega Goes Off to War while the Hallams Retreat–May 28
On this day in theatre history–May 28–some 166 years apart, theatre people do two very different things in the face of war. In 1588, on this very day, the Spanish Armada sailed from Lisbon on its way to attack England … Continue reading
THIS DAY IN THEATRE HISTORY: Obi; Or, Three-Finger’d Jack Stuns New Yorkers–May 27, 1801
On this day in theatre history–May 27, 1801–John Fawcett’s pantomime, Obi; Or, Three-Finger’d Jack, opened at New York City’s Park Theatre. The play had been a big hit the year before in London and was soon to become an equally … Continue reading
THIS DAY IN THEATRE HISTORY: Actors’ Equity Turns 107 and How Eugene O’Neill Factors into All This–May 26, 1913
Exactly one hundred and seven years ago today–May 26, 1913–a group of 112 theatre professionals met in the Pabst Grand Circle Hotel on Columbus Circle in New York City. Looking to combat the mistreatment of performers within the industry, … Continue reading
THIS DAY IN THEATRE HISTORY: Aldridge’s London Debut–May 24, 1825.
Today in Theatre History–May 24, 1825–is the most likely date of the London debut performance of one of the greatest actors of all time, Ira Aldridge. Most histories of the stage cite October of 1825 as Aldridge’s debut on the … Continue reading
Today in Theatre History: O’NEILL WINS SECOND PULITZER PRIZE WITH ANNA CHRISTIE–May 21, 1922
Today in theatre history (May 21, 1922) Eugene O’Neill wins his second Pulitzer Prize for his play Anna Christie, a four-act drama about a former prostitute attempting to turn her life around. Set largely on a barge moored off Provincetown, the … Continue reading
THIS DAY IN THEATRE HISTORY 