This post was written by SLIS student Heather McMullin
The University of Alberta has a proud theatre tradition. If you want to see what U of A drama students have been producing lately, check out their compilation of studio videos here. For a look further back though, University of Alberta Archives’ online photo collection offers a quick step back in time with scenes from plays put on by past students.
Let’s start in 1942 with a lively production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance:
The following year, “Watch on the Rhine” was performed. This was a new broadway play that was about to be adapted for the big screen in an Academy Award-nominated movie starring Bette Davis and Paul Lukas.
In 1950, students performed “School for Wives,” a Molière comedy:
In 1955, they performed George Bernard Shaw’s “Caesar and Cleopatra”:
And the following year, it was the Greek tragedy, “Antigone”:
We think the library is a great resource for theatre buffs. Our library subject guide for drama is an excellent starting point for investigating what we have to offer. Some highlights are:
- Drama Online is a digital library of filmed live performances including plays from the National Theatre, the Stratford Festival, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and drama films from BBC.
- Love Broadway? The library gives you access to Alexander Street’s film database, which includes their BroadwayHD collection, as well as their Theatre in Video collection, and their Theatre in Context collection.
- Finally, OntheBoards.tv is a digital streaming portal that provides access to contemporary performances of dance, theatre and music.
While we wait for live theatre to return, why not partake in the magic of theatre from the comfort of your own home?!
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