This landmark collection of thirteen plays plus a translation aims to displace critical misconceptions about Italian Canadian theatre. Chosen from a hidden treasure of more than 300 works, the selection honours vital contributions to Canadian theatre identity. By redefining the creators as Canadian playwrights of Italian origin rather than simply Italian writers living in Canada, the editor has presented an original and lively account of Italian Canadian performance history dating back to 1786. As well, she has reconsidered the definition of national theatre, addressed historical omissions, and confronted earlier dismissal of the work as merely marginal or ethnic. The endeavour to set the record straight is unequivocal. The recognition of these plays challenges the larger context of Canadian theatre practice and social history. The influential voices of Italian Canadian playwrights are loud and clear, and worthy of celebration.
Featuring works by:
Tony Calabretta
Liana Cusmano
Bobby Del Rio
Michaela Di Cesare
Toni Ellwand
Fabrizio Filippo
Lucia Frangione
Diana Iuele-Colilli
Michael Macina
Nick Mancuso
Dina Morrone
Tony Nardi
Adam Paolozza
Christine Sansalone
Keywords: plays, Canadian plays, Italian-Canadian plays, Italy, collection, Canada,
playwrights