Reconsidering the early West End Musical April 9, 2008

The musical is a unique phenomenon of modern culture, and a powerful vehicle for the expression of cultural myths, anxieties and desires. An international conference at Goldsmiths, University of London being held from 10 to 11 April 2008 will consider the early West End Musical (1880-1930) in all its historical dimensions.

The combination of song, dance and drama that distinguishes musical theatre from other forms and genres is linked to both precise historical circumstances and specific ideological formulations. This conference will explore such questions as: What does the early West End Musical tell us about such historically determined concepts as nation, gender, class and other versions of identity? How does it relate to popular understanding of the idea of modernity? Is there a case for resituating the West End Musical in music theatre history?

Peter Bailey, a leading scholar on 19th and early 20th century Popular Theatre, will be the keynote speaker, and he will be joined by Jacky Bratton, Rex Bunnett, Andrew Lamb and Len Platt amongst others.

The conference fee is £50/£10 for a U3A member, and there will be a conference dinner on 10 April which costs £25. The conference will take place in the Richard Hoggart Building, Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, SE14 6NW.
Registration forms are available from Barbara Allen, e-mail [email protected] or phone 020 7919 7221.

Official Website: http://www.goldsmiths.ac.uk