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Cover of The Exhibition Drama: Comprising Drama, Comedy, and Farce, Together with Dramatic and Musical Entertainments

The Exhibition Drama: Comprising Drama, Comedy, and Farce, Together with Dramatic and Musical Entertainments

Written by George M. (George Melville) Baker

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DramaAmateur plays

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About this book

"The Exhibition Drama" by George M. Baker is a collection of theatrical works including drama, comedy, and farce, written during the late 19th century. The book is designed for amateur performances and home theatricals, making it suitable for private exhibitions, school events, and holiday gatherings. Among its featured plays is "Enlisted for the War," which focuses on the emotional struggles of a soldier named Robert Trueworth as he and his family face the hardships during the Civil War, including themes of love, sacrifice, and socio-economic strife. The opening of the drama introduces Robert Trueworth and his family as they come to terms with the loss of their family farm, sold to pay off debts. As Robert prepares to enlist in the Union army, the dialogue reveals the interconnected lives of Robert, his mother, and sister, Mattie, as they reflect on their past and the uncertain future ahead. Wilder Rowell, the farm's new owner and guardian to the wealthy heiress Gaylie Gifford, emerges as a complicated figure, indicating conflicts of interest that will impact the relationships and aspirations of the characters. The layered emotions and conflicts established in this initial scene lay the groundwork for a story rich with personal and societal challenges amid the backdrop of war.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Exhibition Drama: Comprising Drama, Comedy, and Farce, Together with Dramatic and Musical Entertainments, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • lighthearted
  • didactic

George M. Baker's "The Exhibition Drama" is a multifaceted collection of short theatrical pieces, encompassing dramas, comedies, farces, and musical entertainments, designed primarily for amateur theatricals and public 'exhibitions' in the late 19th century. This volume serves as a vibrant snapshot of popular Victorian-era domestic entertainment, showcasing a range of human experiences from the comedic absurdities of daily life to more serious moral dilemmas. Each piece is self-contained, offering distinct plots and character sets tailored for easy staging and clear thematic delivery, often with an underlying didactic or moralistic tone characteristic of its time. The collection provides insight into the social values, humor, and dramatic conventions prevalent in American parlor and school performances.

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive... especially when one forgets the threads!”

Key themes

Morality and Virtue
Many plays, especially the dramas, explicitly or implicitly explore themes of morality, integrity, and virtuous conduct. Characters are often tested on their honesty, kindness, and adherence to social norms, with resolutions frequently reinforcing the idea that good deeds are rewarded and deceit or selfishness leads to negative consequences. This theme reflects the didactic function of much Victorian-era entertainment.
Social Etiquette and Manners
Central to many comedies and farces is the exploration of social customs, proper behavior, and the humorous consequences of violating etiquette. Humor often arises from misunderstandings, awkward social situations, or characters' struggles to conform (or deliberately defy) societal expectations, highlighting the importance placed on decorum in 19th-century society.
Domestic Life and Family Dynamics
Many plays are set within the home and revolve around the interactions, conflicts, and joys of family members. Themes include parental authority, sibling rivalry, romantic attachments, and the challenges of maintaining harmony within the household. These plays often reflect idealized or comically exaggerated versions of 19th-century family structures.

Worth discussing

How do the different genres (drama, comedy, farce) in this collection reflect distinct aspects of Victorian-era entertainment and societal values?

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