Steele MacKaye 
Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: Paul Kauvar; or, Anarchy 

Steele Mac Kaye’s ‚Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: Paul Kauvar; or, Anarchy‘ is a groundbreaking collection of plays that showcases the development of American drama during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The featured play, Paul Kauvar; or, Anarchy, takes a deep dive into political turmoil and revolution, exploring themes of social justice and the struggle for freedom. Mac Kaye’s use of language is powerful and evocative, capturing the tension and passion of the characters as they navigate the complexities of their time. This play exemplifies Mac Kaye’s ability to blend historical events with compelling storytelling, making it a must-read for those interested in American theater history. The inclusion of this play in the anthology underscores its importance in the canon of American drama, shedding light on a turbulent period in the nation’s history.

Über den Autor

Steele Mac Kaye (1842–1894) was a multifaceted figure in American theatre history, renowned as an actor, playwright, director, and innovator. Born James Morrison Steele Mac Kaye in Buffalo, New York, he grew to become a seminal influence in shaping the American stage during the late 19th century. His vast experiences in Europe, where he studied under the tutelage of Francois Delsarte, and his interactions with luminaries like Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, enriched his dramatic outlook. Mac Kaye’s artistic pursuits were characterized by a quest for realism on the stage, which he furthered through numerous innovations in theatre technology and acting technique. He was a prolific playwright who penned over thirty plays, channeling his concern for social issues into his dramatic works. Among his significant contributions to American drama, ‚Paul Kauvar; or, Anarchy‘, included in ‚Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911‘, epitomizes his knack for fusing political commentary with theatricality. Underlying his literary contributions, Mac Kaye’s influence extended to the foundation of acting academies and his visionary design for a spectacular theatre, the never-completed ‚Spectatorium‘ for the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. Although he did not live to see all of his ambitious projects come to fruition, Steele Mac Kaye’s legacy endures through his impact on the evolution of American theatre and his works that capture a vivid portrayal of life’s complexities during his time.