The second volume of The World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre covers the Americas, from Canada to Argentina, including the United States. Entries on 26 countries are preceded by specialist introductions on theatre in post-colonial Latin America, the theatres of North America, puppet theatre, theatre for young audiences, music theatre and dance theatre. The essays follow the series format, allowing for cross-referencing, both within this volume and between volumes. Each national entry is written by specialists in the particular country and the volume has its own teams of regional...

Why did Americans reject the British gentleman as their dominant model of masculinity? Why is a boy's relationship to his mother a crucial factor in shaping his masculinity? What and how do boys learn about what it means to be a man? Holmberg demonstrates how David Mamet's plays provide insights into these questions, and into the masculine malaise. Through the gangsters, businessmen, soldiers, sailors, athletes, frontiersmen and thugs he created, Mamet celebrates and criticizes American macho. The book provides close readings of Mamet's well-known plays as well as plays which have not...