Description: This collection of essays seeks answers to the challenges of urban diversity, conflict, and creativity by examining the emergence of musical and theatrical originality in specific cities at specific times.
Review Quotes: "This is a fascinating exploration of how urban societies, in a broad geographic and historical range, voice who they are and simultaneously are defined by, their theatre." -Juli Iezzi, Professor of Theater, University of Hawaii "A study like this requires an author to have equal expertise in the arts (music, theatre, dance), urban development, as well as history and politics-on a wide international scope. A political scientist and urbanist by training, a connoisseur of art, and a world traveler through scholarly and professional pursuits-Dr. Ruble is a multifaceted researcher, capable of synthesizing multiple artistic and scholarly fields. Through this synthesis, and due to his ability to see across many disciplines, he created a unique book that will speak to readers interested in different fields." -Andrei Malaev-Babel, Associate Professor of Theatre, Head of Acting, Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training "These essays, woven together in an imaginative and creative fashion, are quite wonderful. Understanding the development of cities as a function of the creative and artistic energy they nurture is a fascinating concept and Blair makes it seem both sensible and startling. It is indeed a remarkable conceit, which he pulls off with grace and skill." -Joseph S. Tulchin, Senior Scholar, Woodrow Wilson Center