Theater of Cruelty

Bad behavior, bigotry and boorishness were often on display in many early 19th Century theater audiences. Philadelphia's New Theatre, on Chestnut Street, as well as being the premiere home for drama in America, could also be the site of riots, uproar - and cruelty. Three stories, all found in the published memoirs of manager and actor William H. Wood, serve to illustrate what a rough experience a night in the theater could be during this era.For other images and additional commentary about this topic, as well as a bibliography of our sources, see our website's blog post: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-riot-act/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! For a link, go to our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address is [email protected] us on social media:Bluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/ Support our work and get BONUS EPISODES on Patreon! GO HERE© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.℗ All original voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.