Canadian Theater

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, because drama possesses all of the abilities to communicate ideas successfully, the theater is the perfect medium to express Canada's national identity. The author points out that, in addition to inheriting influences from native and European drama, Canadians are experimenting with different styles of plays, which encourages the development of its own theatrical techniques. The paper relates that, by using theater to reinforce its culture, Andrew Allan's "We All Hate Toronto" and "The Farm Show" by The Theatre Passe Murailles are helping to develop a Canadian national identity.

From the Paper:

"The issue of whether Canada has its own identity has been an ongoing question. Many people perceive Canada as a weaker version of the United States, some see us as people who live in the snow, and others believe that we are lumberjacks. This is a huge problem for Canada, and as a country, we must do something about it. We must find a way to separate us from the United States; we must find a way to let everyone around the globe know who we really are. One way in which we are doing this is exhibiting our national identity through drama."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "The Farm Show." Canadian Drama and The Critics. Ed. L.W. Connelly. Vancouver, BC: Talonbooks, 1987. 107-117.
• Denison, Merrill. "Nationalism and Drama." Dramatists In Canada. Ed. William H. New, Victoria, BC: The Morriss Printing Company Ltd., 1972. 65-70.
• Leggatt, Alexander. "Letters in Canada: Drama." UTQ Summer 1977: 385-386
• Martin, Robert. Globe and Mail 22 Sept. 1972
• Sinclair, Lister. "We All Hate Toronto." THL 100 - Dramatic texts.

More papers on Canadian Theater:

• Essay # 62510 : "The Manitoba Theatre Centre"
• Term Paper # 132090 : "Peacekeeping" and Canada"
• Essay # 70796 : "Kate Reid"

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