Overview

Fallen Empires traces the development of Edmonton's theatre scene from its humble beginnings in meeting halls in 1881 to the flourishing theatre scene of 1914, where live drama and vaudeville acts were in high demand. Author John Orrell describes in exquisite detail the construction and appearance of these early theatres, as well as the performances which took place there, and the reaction of theatre reviewers. The book charts the rise and fall of great theatres such as the Pantages and the second Empire Theatre, as well as lesser-known ones, like Robertson Hall and Thistle Arena, which were no less key to the development of Edmonton's arts culture. Orrell describes the fates of these early theatres, many of which were destroyed by fire or pulled down to make way for cinema houses. The only book of its kind, Fallen Empires brings Edmonton's past theatres to life -- preserving a vital part of Edmonton's history. This new edition has an introduction by Diane Bessai and an updated biography by Wendy Orrell.

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9781897126165

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John Orrell was born in Kent, England, in 1934. Orrell received a PHD in English from the University of Toronto, and began teaching at the University of Alberta in 1961. In addition to being a teacher and writer, Orrell worked as the advisor to the architect who reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. After his death in 2003, Orrell was posthumously given the Sam Wanamaker Award, and was named as one of the 100 Edmontonians of the century.

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