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Emily Mann: Rebel Artist of the American Theater

Reed Mitchell

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Emily Mann is a pioneering American playwright, director, and producer who has made a significant impact on the American theater landscape for over four decades. Her work is characterized by its fearless exploration of social and political issues, its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and its innovative use of theatrical form. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Mann's career, her major works, and her lasting legacy as a rebel artist.

Emily Mann: Rebel Artist of the American Theater

by Alexis Greene

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	372 pages

Early Life and Career

Emily Mann was born in New York City in 1945. She began her theater career as a teenager, working as a stage manager and assistant director at the Yale School of Drama. After graduating from Yale, Mann moved to New York City, where she worked as a freelance director and dramaturg. In the early 1970s, she co-founded the Women's Project and Productions, a theater company dedicated to producing new work by women playwrights.

Major Works

Mann's major works include the plays Annulla: An Autobiography (1977),Execution of Justice (1985),Having Our Say (1995),and The Insanity of Mary Girard (2002). Her plays often explore complex social and political issues, such as race, gender, class, and war. She is also known for her innovative use of theatrical form, including her use of documentary theater and multimedia.

Annulla: An Autobiography is a one-woman show that tells the story of Annulla Allen, a young African American woman who was brutally murdered by her white lover. The play is a powerful indictment of racism and sexism, and it helped to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women. Execution of Justice is a docudrama that tells the story of the trial of Dan White, who was convicted of manslaughter in the deaths of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. The play is a complex and nuanced exploration of the American justice system, and it raises important questions about race, class, and homophobia.

Having Our Say is a two-woman play that tells the story of two African American sisters who lived through the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. The play is a celebration of black history and culture, and it offers a unique perspective on the American experience. The Insanity of Mary Girard is a historical drama that tells the story of Mary Girard, a woman who was declared insane and confined to an asylum in the 18th century. The play is a powerful exploration of the ways in which women have been silenced and marginalized throughout history.

Legacy

Emily Mann is a groundbreaking artist who has made a significant impact on the American theater landscape. Her work is characterized by its fearless exploration of social and political issues, its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and its innovative use of theatrical form. She is a true rebel artist who has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the theater. Mann's work continues to inspire and challenge audiences today, and her legacy as a rebel artist will continue to shape the American theater for generations to come.

Emily Mann is a true pioneer of the American theater. Her work is characterized by its fearless exploration of social and political issues, its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and its innovative use of theatrical form. She is a true rebel artist who has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the theater. Mann's work continues to inspire and challenge audiences today, and her legacy as a rebel artist will continue to shape the American theater for generations to come.

If you are interested in learning more about Emily Mann and her work, I encourage you to check out the following resources: