thumbnail of Plays and Players; 1; Drama: How it Began
This content has not been digitized. Please contact the contributing organization(s) listed below.
Series
Plays and Players
Episode Number
1
Episode
Drama: How it Began
Producing Organization
WQED (Television station : Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Contributing Organization
Library of Congress (Washington, District of Columbia)
AAPB ID
cpb-aacip/512-td9n29q86j
NOLA Code
PLAP
If you have more information about this item than what is given here, or if you have concerns about this record, we want to know! Contact us, indicating the AAPB ID (cpb-aacip/512-td9n29q86j).
Description
Episode Description
Theatre began with the first glimmerings of organized societies. John Gassner discusses these beginnings which were in the form of dances, processions, rituals, etc. he also discusses the Greek Theatre and its various techniques such as the inner stage, the dancing circle, etc. In this episode, a scene from Mr. Gassners translation of Oedipus the King is used to illustrate the chorus technique of the theatre in that day. Mr. Gassner shows how a new profession developed: Playwriting. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)
Series Description
This series offers the general audience a chance to gain a better appreciation and understanding of the development of the actor and his medium. Included are various styles of theatrical presentation with the contributing forces present in a given area. The styles and eras covered are: classic theatre, romantic theatre, realistic theatre, and the twentieth century theatre. Arnold Moss and John Gassner appear on alternate episodes outlining the broad basis for the understanding of the theatrical style, discussing style and acting in the context of its audience, its architecture, design, literature, etc. Mr. Moss has made his name in the theatre as an actor and lecturer. Mr. Gassner, an author and critic, is the Sterling Professor of Playwriting at Yale University. The series was produced by WQED, Pittsburgh. The 8 half-hour episodes that comprise the series were originally recorded on kinescope. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)
Broadcast Date
1958-02-23
Asset type
Episode
Topics
Performing Arts
History
Theater
Rights
Published Work: This work was offered for sale and/or rent in 1960.
Media type
Moving Image
Credits
Host: Gassner, John
Producing Organization: WQED (Television station : Pittsburgh, Pa.)
AAPB Contributor Holdings
Library of Congress
Identifier: 2311879-1 (MAVIS Item ID)
Format: 16mm film
Generation: Copy: Access
Color: B&W
Indiana University Libraries Moving Image Archive
Identifier: [request film based on title] (Indiana University)
Format: 16mm film
If you have a copy of this asset and would like us to add it to our catalog, please contact us.
Citations
Chicago: “Plays and Players; 1; Drama: How it Began,” 1958-02-23, Library of Congress, American Archive of Public Broadcasting (GBH and the Library of Congress), Boston, MA and Washington, DC, accessed May 12, 2025, http://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-512-td9n29q86j.
MLA: “Plays and Players; 1; Drama: How it Began.” 1958-02-23. Library of Congress, American Archive of Public Broadcasting (GBH and the Library of Congress), Boston, MA and Washington, DC. Web. May 12, 2025. <http://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-512-td9n29q86j>.
APA: Plays and Players; 1; Drama: How it Began. Boston, MA: Library of Congress, American Archive of Public Broadcasting (GBH and the Library of Congress), Boston, MA and Washington, DC. Retrieved from http://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-512-td9n29q86j