Kim Marra

The modern Broadway theatre developed around the turn of the last century with the rise of powerful male producers or impresarios who, modeling themselves after Civil War generals and big business titans, took control of all aspects of theatrical production and won praise for civilizing a formerly chaotic and morally disreputable industry. The most influential of these impresarios rose to power chiefly by making female stars whose names became linked to theirs in legendary partnerships. This richly illustrated lecture will examine the careers of three such duos: Augustin Daly and Ada Rehan, David Belasco and Mrs. Leslie Carter, and Charles Frohman and Maude Adams. In each case, the impresario earned the reputation of being a Svengali who exerted hypnotic power over his actress and controlled her sexually as well as professionally. While sexuality was part of what made these duos dynamic, their relationships complicate the stereotype of the casting couch. All these impresarios and actresses began their careers from culturally and economically marginalized positions. Their partnerships enabled both parties to achieve a highly public social ascent in an increasingly imperialistic, xenophobic era. Forces of race, ethnicity, and class as well as gender and sexuality informed the intense and often volatile nature and meaning of their relationships. What these duos did behind the scenes as well as on stage has much to reveal about American culture in this period and about the lasting legacy of their model of female starmaking in the theatre and other social and entertainment venues.

Associate Professor Marra, who joined the CLAS faculty in 1990, is a member of the Department of Theatre Arts (Division of Performing Arts) and American Studies.

Marra will be a guest on "Talk of Iowa," WSUI AM-910 & WOI-640, Tuessday, October 5, 10 a.m..

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