The Jamaican Stage, 1655-1900: Profile of a Colonial Theatre

The Jamaican Stage, 1655-1900 focuses on the history of theater in Jamaica, and highlights the developmental process that occurred in the Caribbean from colonialism through the struggles for independence to the establishment of a cultural identity. In the book, Hill shows a gradual transition from a theatre that was once dominated by the form and content of English and North American companies to the beginnings of more traditional cultural expression characteristic of peasants. He further considers the traditional practices of the working class people to be the source of inspiration for an indigenous art form. The Jamaican Stage also provides a history of theatre spaces, touring and local companies, professional actors and actresses, and early playwrights in Jamaica.