Item Detail
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18792
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1
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0
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English
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Theater as a Means of Moral Education and Socialization in the Development of Nauvoo, Illinois, 1839-1845
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Long Beach, California
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California State University
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66
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Master's thesis
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Civic and religious leaders of the Mormon community of Nauvoo, Illinois, established in 1839, worked to develop an ideal city for the complete well-being of its citizens. This study examines the effect of theater's moral and social function in Nauvoo city structure. The work analyzes the historical context of city-building in American culture with respect to Nauvoo. Contemporary attitudes toward theater are contrasted with the Mormon leaders' philosophy on drama for didactic purposes. The nine plays produced by the Nauvoo Dramatic Association are analyzed as to their fulfilling of civic and religious leaders' goals, and theater's impact on the community is examined by means of participants, the society's reactions and future Mormon involvement in theater. Conclusions reveal that Nauvoo was unique as a covenant community in its embracing of theater and that drama filled an educational, moral and social need, helping to unify and civilize a diverse body of citizens. [Author's abstract]