Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
Roots of Appalachian-Themed Drama
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Roots of Appalachian-Themed Drama This research presentation will explore the early roots and development of theater with Appalachian themes as it evolved in Western North Carolina, Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and thereabouts. We will look at institutional influences from places like Lincoln Memorial University, University of Kentucky, University of North Carolina, and Black Mountain College as well as playwrights and the outdoor drama movement pioneered within these states. Intentions are to further a dialogue about regional themed drama in Appalachia covering roughly from 1918-1985 with reference also to spinoffs from that time. How did these dramatic works deal with issues of hegemony and where were these plays performed? Who benefited? Some playwrights included will be Percy MacKaye, Earl Hobson Smith, The Kentucky Playmakers, Paul Green, Loretto Carroll Bailey, Frederick Koch and the Carolina Playmakers, Kermit Hunter, Romulus Linney, Billy Edd Wheeler, Gary Carden, Black Mountain Drama, Don Baker, Jo Carson, Angelyn Debord and Robert Gipe. Sources include newspaper accounts and play scripts.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Jackerle Wright is an independent cultural worker based in Athens, Ohio, who has interests in music, drama, images of Appalachia, social justice and teaching. He is the producer of Music of Coal: Mining Songs from the Appalachian Coalfields. And retired professor of the Ohio University School of Film.
Roots of Appalachian-Themed Drama
Roots of Appalachian-Themed Drama This research presentation will explore the early roots and development of theater with Appalachian themes as it evolved in Western North Carolina, Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and thereabouts. We will look at institutional influences from places like Lincoln Memorial University, University of Kentucky, University of North Carolina, and Black Mountain College as well as playwrights and the outdoor drama movement pioneered within these states. Intentions are to further a dialogue about regional themed drama in Appalachia covering roughly from 1918-1985 with reference also to spinoffs from that time. How did these dramatic works deal with issues of hegemony and where were these plays performed? Who benefited? Some playwrights included will be Percy MacKaye, Earl Hobson Smith, The Kentucky Playmakers, Paul Green, Loretto Carroll Bailey, Frederick Koch and the Carolina Playmakers, Kermit Hunter, Romulus Linney, Billy Edd Wheeler, Gary Carden, Black Mountain Drama, Don Baker, Jo Carson, Angelyn Debord and Robert Gipe. Sources include newspaper accounts and play scripts.
