| In the latter half of the nineteenth century, John Augustin Daly brought middle class values of taste, coherence and efficiency to the American stage. Through his work as a dramatic critic, playwright and theatre manager, he demonstrated that indigenous theatre artists could create refined and intellectual entertainment. His coordination of the stage, through meticulous attention to detail, extensive rehearsals and uncompromising dedication to propriety, raised the accepted standard of theatrical production.;Over the subsequent thirty years as a theatre manager, Daly managed two theatre companies through seven theatre buildings in two continents and produced over one hundred and twenty-five productions. He earned an international reputation as a man of taste and conviction, the leader of an ensemble company capable of performing contemporary and classical works. Reviews of Daly's productions suggest the drama of the art theatres: unified narrative, intense, densely packed scenes, and fidelity to life in dialogue, stage action and environment. Although he had no such ambitions for himself, Daly's commitment to "complete" comedy prepared American audiences to receive the work of Ibsen, Strindberg and ultimately, Chekhov. Daly created an organized theatre, leaving to others the challenge of harnessing that irresistible force to social change.;Daly's idea of a unified stage, in which all aspects of the theatrical experience were harmoniously balanced, began during his years as a dramatic critic. For eight years, he watched hundreds of productions and offered countless columns of practical advice. As he grew convinced that his ideas could only be explained by application, he began pursuing playwriting concurrently with dramatic criticism. Before long Daly was staging his own dramas and discovering firsthand how the powerful non-verbal elements of theatrical production were developed during the rehearsal process. His desire to exercise greater control over the theatrical experience inspired Daly to open his first theatre company. |
