Processional

"Processional" is a groundbreaking work of American Expressionist theater that captures the chaotic energy and social upheaval of the 1920s. Subtitled a "jazz symphony of American life," the play is set against the backdrop of a violent coal miners' strike in a small West Virginia town. John Howard Lawson masterfully utilizes the rhythms of jazz and the structures of vaudeville to create a vibrant, multi-layered portrait of a nation in transition.

The narrative follows a diverse cast of characters, including striking miners, soldiers, and townspeople, as they navigate a landscape of industrial conflict, racial tension, and political radicalism. By blending social realism with avant-garde staging techniques, Lawson offers a powerful critique of American capitalism and the struggles of the working class. "Processional" remains a significant milestone in the development of modern drama, reflecting the influence of the New Playwrights Theatre and the emergence of a distinctively American theatrical voice that is both politically charged and stylistically innovative. Its exploration of labor rights and cultural identity continues to resonate as a vital document of early twentieth-century American literature.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.