1st Edition

A History of Equestrian Drama in the United States Hippodrama’s Pure Air and Fire

By Kimberly Poppiti Copyright 2018
    208 Pages
    by Routledge

    208 Pages 30 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    A History of Equestrian Drama in the United States documents the history of equestrian drama in the United States and clarifies the multi-faceted significance of the form and of the related stage machinery developed to produce hippodramas. The development of equestrian drama is traced from its origins and influences in the sixteenth century, through the height of the form’s popularity at the turn of the twentieth century. Analysis of the historical significance of the genre within the larger context of U.S. theatre, the elucidation of the importance of the horse to theatre, and an evaluation of the lasting impact on theatre technology are also included.

    List of Figures



    Preface



    Acknowledgements



    Introduction



    1_ Early Equestrian Entertainments in England



    2_ Early Equestrian Entertainments in Colonial America (1771–1812)



    3_ Early Productions of Equestrian Drama in England and the United States



    4_ The Plays: Melodramatic Equestrian Drama



    5_ The Plays: Military Equestrian Drama



    6_ The Plays: Frontier Equestrian Drama



    7_ The Plays: Stage Machinery in Racing and Related Equestrian Drama



    8_ Epilogue and Conclusions





    Bibliography



    Index

    Biography

    Kimberly Poppiti, PhD, MFA, has been studying and writing about horses and theatre for years. She has published numerous related articles and is a two-time winner of the USITT's Herbert D. Greggs Award (2017 and 2013) for her writing about theatre design and technology. For over 20 years, she was a full-time professor at Dowling College, where she chaired the Department of Communication and Performing Arts. She still works as a professor, and as a writer, living on Long Island with her family.