Methuen Drama Another Day's Begun: Thornton Wilder s Our Town in the 21st Century

Through original interviews and case studies of productions post-9/11, this book explores the way the play has pervaded both theatrical and popular culture in the US and abroad, resulting in almost constant production at both the professional and amateur level, and making its title a household name. A work of startling originality when it debuted in 1938, Thornton Wilders Our Town evolved to be seen by some as a vintage slice of early 20th century Americana, known more for its ability to accommodate large casts for schools and community theatres, or the simplicity of its staging, than for its complex and progressive themes. 80 years after it was written, more than 110 years after its actions take place, Our Town continues to assert itself as a singular play about life and death, about how we must think about our lives while we have them and how we must go on when those around us are lost. One year after 9/11, movie star Paul Newman, in his final stage appearance, played the Stage Manager in Our Town. After the arena bombing in Manchester UK, Jude Kelly chose Our Town as the response by the Royal Exchange Theatre. In the summer of 2019, Our Town opened the season at the Open Air Theatre in Regents Park in London. What happened in these productions, what did they show, and what did they say? Through extensive interviews with principals from these productions and more, Our Town in the 21st Century shows why this particular work remains so essential.