Essential Drama

This landmark collection of 14 plays by such figures as Lucia Frangione, Tony Nardi, Nick Mancuso, and the late Michael Macina, displaces many critical misconceptions about Italian Canadian theatre. So often regarded as marginal, simply "ethnic" or less than, this selection-chosen from a hidden reservoir of over 300 plays-proves definitively that Italian Canadian theatre and its literature is and has always been far more integral to the Canadian theatre identity than previously recognized. This collection of plays challenges prevailing historical absences and readjusts the definition of "Canadian" theatre by presenting Canadian playwrights of Italian origin, not simply Italian writers living in Canada. This necessary distinction unearths a lively tradition of practice in Italian Canadian communities that dates back to 1786-as the impactful account of Italian Canadian performance history proves. The endeavour is clear: set the historical record straight by inviting the critical reading and examination of these works and productions. The recognition of these plays challenges the larger context of Canadian theatre practice and social history. By their very existence we can no longer ignore the influential voices of Italian Canadian playwrights.