Christopher B. Balme: The Globalization of Theatre 1870–1930
Christopher B. Balme
The Globalization of Theatre 1870–1930
The Theatrical Networks of Maurice E. Bandmann
Part of Cambridge Studies in Modern Theatre
Cambridge, October 2019
Between 1895 and 1922 the Anglo-American actor and manager, Maurice E. Bandmann (1872–1922) created a theatrical circuit that extended from Gibraltar to Tokyo and included regular tours to the West Indies and South America. With headquarters in Calcutta and Cairo and companies listed on the Indian stock exchange, his operations represent a significant shift towards the globalization of theatre. This study focuses on seven key areas: family networks; the business of theatrical touring; the politics of locality; repertoire and publics; an ethnography of itinerant acting; legal disputes and the provision of theatrical infrastructure. It draws on global and transnational history, network theory and analysis as well as in-depth archival research to provide a new approach to studying theatre in the age of empire.
Blog post "Global Theatrical Networks" by Christopher B. Balme, on cambridgeblog.org:"'It’s the network, stupid', Maurice E. Bandmann (1872-1922) might have said, had he lived longer. Perhaps the greatest theatrical entrepreneur, nobody has ever heard of, Bandmann’s career is unique and unsung. ..."
