A History of Equestrian Drama in the United States
Hippodrama’s Pure Air and Fire

A History of Equestrian Drama in the United States documents the history of equestrian drama in the United States and clarifies the multi-faceted significance of the form and of the related stage machinery developed to produce hippodramas. The development of equestrian drama is traced from its origins and influences in the sixteenth century, through the height of the form?s popularity at the turn of the twentieth century. Analysis of the historical significance of the genre within the larger context of U.S. theatre, the elucidation of the importance of the horse to theatre, and an evaluation of the lasting impact on theatre technology are also included.

List of Figures

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1_ Early Equestrian Entertainments in England

2_ Early Equestrian Entertainments in Colonial America (1771–1812)

3_ Early Productions of Equestrian Drama in England and the United States

4_ The Plays: Melodramatic Equestrian Drama

5_ The Plays: Military Equestrian Drama

6_ The Plays: Frontier Equestrian Drama

7_ The Plays: Stage Machinery in Racing and Related Equestrian Drama

8_ Epilogue and Conclusions

Bibliography

Index

Kimberly Poppiti, PhD, MFA, has been studying and writing about horses and theatre for years. She has published numerous related articles and is a two-time winner of the USITT's Herbert D. Greggs Award (2017 and 2013) for her writing about theatre design and technology. For over 20 years, she was a full-time professor at Dowling College, where she chaired the Department of Communication and Performing Arts. She still works as a professor, and as a writer, living on Long Island with her family.