02383cam a22003253u 4500 13408 UtSlPG 20260610133322.0 m cr n 260607r2004||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PN Spence, Edward Fordham, 1860-1932 Our Stage and Its Critics : By "E.F.S." of "The Westminster Gazette" Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2004 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2004-09-09 Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Linda Cantoni, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. "Our Stage and Its Critics" by Edward Fordham Spence is a collection of essays written during the early 20th century, specifically around the year 1910. This work delves into the state of British drama, examining the roles and challenges of dramatic critics, as well as discussing the nuances of theatre production in England at that time. The author expresses a desire for a more vibrant national theatre that reflects the complexities and aspirations of modern life, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent among playwrights and performers. The opening of the book begins with a preface that articulates Spence's mixed feelings about the current condition of the British stage, oscillating between optimism and concern. He comments on the lack of originality in much of the theatre, lamenting how commercialism and tradition often overshadow genuine artistic expression. Spence discusses the progress made towards creating a modern national drama while holding the notion that many critiques of modern theatre stem from a misunderstanding of the public's appetite. The author sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the role of the critic as both a commentator and a participant in the dramatic arts, outlining the responsibilities and challenges they face in a rapidly evolving artistic landscape. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Drama Criticism Theater -- Great Britain https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/13408 54798 54798