Jasper Deeter At Hedgerow: Redefining Experimental Theatre

Palgrave Studies in Theatre and Performance History

By Catherine Wiley

: 978-3-030-93723-5

Publication Date: March 10, 2023

Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan

Format: Hardback | 338 pages

Price: £99.99 | $129.99 | €109.99

Book Description:

Jasper Deeter was a visionary director, playwright, and teacher who founded the Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania, in 1923. The Hedgerow quickly became a breeding ground for experimental theatre, attracting a group of talented artists who would go on to shape the future of American theatre.

Deeter's innovative approach to performance emphasized the importance of ensemble work, improvisation, and audience participation. He believed that theatre should be a transformative experience for both the actors and the audience, and his work often explored the darker side of human nature.

Jasper Deeter at Hedgerow tells the fascinating story of this groundbreaking theatre company and its enigmatic founder. Catherine Wiley traces Deeter's career from his early days as a struggling actor to his success as one of the most influential figures in American theatre.

Drawing on archival research, interviews with former Hedgerow members, and Deeter's own writings, Wiley provides a rich and nuanced portrait of a complex and fascinating artist. Jasper Deeter at Hedgerow is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of experimental theatre or the development of American theatre in the 20th century.