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by Anna Migliarsi (Editor)
This landmark two-volume 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.
Author Biography
Anna Migliarsi has trained actors in conservatory, liberal arts, as well as private studio settings. She is a longstanding member of CAEA and ACTRA, holds a BFA from the School of Dramatic Art, University of Windsor, and an MA and PhD in Drama from the University of Toronto. Anna has published numerous essays, book and play reviews, as well as several books on the history and practice of directing, including On Directing (2014) and Stanislavsky and Directing (2008). In addition, she has created and produced over twenty local, national and/or international theatre arts conferences and workshops. She is a professor of Theatre at Acadia University.
