Electra USA: American Stagings of Sophocles' Tragedy - Tapa dura

Between 1889 and 1995 in America, productions of Sophocles' Electra became the project of some of the most significant directors, actresses, and producers of their day. In reconstructing eleven major productions, this book seeks to accomplish two goals: first, to preserve, albeit in imperfect written form, the productions themselves; and, second, by tracing the history of Electra's production, to highlight some of the most pivotal figures in the development of American theater, including several key women often neglected by theater historians. Along the way, for those who celebrate Greek tragedy in production, this book will allow the reader to sit vicariously in the audience and enjoy seven Electra productions on the American stage.

E. Theresa Choate is associate professor and assistant chair at the Department of Theater in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Kean University.