Katharine Cockin Livres

This new biography explores the extraordinary life of Edith Craig (1869-1947), her prolific work in the theatre and her political endeavours for women's suffrage and socialism. At London's Lyceum Theatre in its heyday she worked alongside her mother, Ellen Terry, Henry Irving and Bram Stoker, and gained valuable experience. She was a key figure in creating innovative art theatre work. As director and founder of the Pioneer Players in 1911 she supported the production of women's suffrage drama, becoming a pioneer of theatre aimed at social reform. In 1915 she assumed a leading role with the Pioneer Players in bringing international art theatre to Britain and introducing London audiences to expressionist and feminist drama from Nikolai Evreinov to Susan Glaspell. She captured the imagination of Virginia Woolf, inspiring the portrait of Miss LaTrobe in her 1941 novel Between the Acts, and influenced a generation of actors, such as Sybil Thorndike and Edith Evans. Frequently eclipsed in accounts of theatrical endeavour by her younger brother, Edward Gordon Craig, Edith Craig's contribution both to theatre and to the women's suffrage movement receives timely reappraisal in Katharine Cockin's meticulously researched and wide-ranging biography, released for the seventieth anniversary of Craig's death.

The collection features essays by both established experts and emerging researchers who explore the performances and cultural impact of notable figures such as Ellen Terry, her children Edith and Edward Gordon Craig, and other personalities like Bram Stoker and Lewis Carroll. It offers a reassessment of their contributions to the arts, providing fresh insights into their legacies and the broader cultural context in which they operated.

Ellen Terry's letters reveal the vibrant world of Victorian theatre and the challenges faced by a woman balancing a public career with the complexities of raising two illegitimate children. Her correspondence offers a unique perspective on the societal expectations of the time and the personal struggles she endured, showcasing her resilience and the intricacies of her life in the spotlight.

The correspondence of Ellen Terry offers a vibrant glimpse into Victorian theatre and the challenges faced by women of her time. Through her letters, readers gain insight into the complexities of balancing a public career with the personal struggles of raising two illegitimate children, highlighting the societal pressures and expectations of the era.

The correspondence of Ellen Terry offers a vibrant glimpse into the Victorian theatre and the challenges faced by a woman balancing a public career with personal struggles. Her letters reveal the complexities of her life as she navigated societal expectations while raising two illegitimate children, showcasing her resilience and the intricacies of her character in a male-dominated era.

The letters of Ellen Terry offer a vibrant glimpse into the Victorian theatre's complexities and the challenges faced by women of her time. They reveal her struggles to balance a flourishing public career with the responsibilities of raising two illegitimate children, highlighting her resilience and the societal pressures she navigated. Through her correspondence, readers gain a deeper understanding of the personal and professional hurdles that shaped her life and contributions to the arts.

The correspondence of Ellen Terry offers an intriguing glimpse into the Victorian theatre's dynamics and the challenges faced by a woman balancing a public career with the complexities of raising two illegitimate children. Her letters reveal her vibrant personality and the societal pressures of her time, highlighting the intersection of personal struggles and professional aspirations.

Ellen Terry's letters reveal the vibrant world of Victorian theatre and the challenges she faced as a woman balancing a public career with the responsibilities of raising two illegitimate children. Her correspondence captures the complexities of her life, offering a unique perspective on the era's social dynamics and the personal struggles behind her successful public image.

Expert introduction to the world of theatre and theatre research. Covers a wide range of performance, including theatre, film, music hall, circus, travelling shows, puppetry and opera. Fascinating reading for anyone who is keen to explore the history of the subject.