Fallen Empires: Lost Theatres of Edmonton 1881–1914

ISBN 13: 978-1-897126-16-5
192 pages, paperback
Spring 2007

Non-Fiction

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about this book

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.

reviews

“The stories told by John Orrell are so rich and detailed that I foresee At the Zenith of the Empire by Stewart Lemoine may be only the first of numerous plays to arise, over the years, from the ashes of “Edmonton’s Lost Theatres.” Fallen Empires harbours the seeds of drama waiting to be brought to life.”
—Thomas Peacocke, C.M.
Professor Emeritus of Drama, University of Alberta

“In Fallen Empires, John Orrell brought to the mysterious lost playhouses of his adoptive home town the same passion, style, and formidable scholarship that made his investigations into Shakespeare's Globe Theatre indispensable to the world. It's an exhilarating double-optic. As in all Professor Orrell's texts on the history of the stage, Fallen Empires reveals a sensibility that infuses theatre architecture with the vividness and energy of its inhabitants.” —Liz Nicholls, Edmonton Journal

“The republishing of Fallen Empires is a cause for celebration. John Orrell, with his meticulous research and lively writing style, has transported the reader to a forgotten and important period of Edmonton theatre history.”
—James V. DeFelice
Professor Emeritus of Drama, University of Alberta