Broadside announcing a performance on board Matthew C. Perry's ship Powhatan, 1854 Apr.

1 sheet ; 51 x 32 cm.

English

Gift of the Beinecke Foundation. Acquired from William Reese Co., 1992.

During Matthew C. Perry's expedition to Japan, he encouraged the formation of amateur theatrical companies on board many of his ships, including his flagship the Powhatan. The companies gained renown in Hong Kong during the fall and winter of 1853-54 when guests came aboard to see their presentations. After Perry successfully concluded his negotiations with Japan, the Powhatan's troupe staged a number of similar entertainments for Japanese dignitaries.

Manuscript broadside in an unidentified hand announcing the "Powhatan Theater" performance of [George Henry Lewes's three-act comedy], The Lawyers, and [J. Stirling Coyne's one-act farce], Did You Ever Send Your Wife to Camberwell? The broadside includes the cast list of the comedy, and the names W. W. Hasson, Manager, and W. Knapp, Assistant Manager.

June 01, 2002

Broadside Announcing a Performance on Board Matthew C. Perry's Ship Powhatan. Yale Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

Broadside Announcing a Performance on Board Matthew C. Perry's Ship Powhatan. Yale Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

Broadsides (notices)