Buried underground : The Subway's contribution to American theatre.

The Subway (written 1923, performed 1929) is Elmer Rice's lesser-known American expressionist work. The play's lowered status amongst his dramatic work stems from its problematic production history, coupled with critical comparison to Sophie Treadwell's Machinal (1928). Rice speaks little on the play, giving the entirety of its production history a mere three paragraphs in his autobiography, Minority Report (1963). Despite this, Rice believed the play to be a greater example of American expressionism than The Adding Machine. Further, the comparisons to Machinal are not coincidental but in fact indicate an influence on Treadwell's play. In examining The Subway's text, production history, and critical reception, this thesis strives to present a thorough appraisal of its theatrical relevance, rectify the obscurity surrounding the work, and consider evidence of the play's direct influence on Treadwell's text.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Papas, Casey Michael, 1992-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jortner, David, 1971-

• Elmer Rice.
• Sophie Treadwell.
• American Expressionism.
• Expressionism.
• Theatre.
• Performing arts.
• Playwrights.
• Theatre history.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/10776

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/10776