Fallen Empires: Lost Theatres of Edmonton 1881–1914

Spring 2007
Paperback 192 pages
Non-Fiction

Fallen Empires—from NeWest Press’ Landmark Edition Series—traces the development of Edmonton’s theatre community from its humble beginnings in meeting halls in 1881 to the flourishing scene of 1914, where drama and vaudeville acts were in high demand. Author John Orrell describes in exquisite detail the construction and appearance of these early theatres, the performances that took place there, and the reaction of theatre reviewers. Fallen Empires charts the rise and fall of great theatres such as the Pantages and the second Empire Theatre, as well as lesser known ones, like Robertson Hall and Thistle Arena, which were no less key to the development of Edmonton’s arts culture. Orrell describes the fates of these early theatres, many of which were destroyed by fire or torn down to make way for cinema houses. The only book of its kind, Fallen Empires brings Edmonton’s past theatres to life—preserving a vital part of Edmonton’s history. This new edition has an introduction by Diane Bessai and an updated biography by Wendy Orrell, and is also a companion piece to  At the Zenith of the Empire  by Stewart Lemoine.