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Early American Plays, 1714-1830 is a collection curated by Oscar Wegelin that showcases a selection of early American plays from the colonial and post-colonial period. This anthology provides a window into the development of American theater, reflecting the social, political, and cultural climate of early America. The plays selected represent a broad range of genres, including comedies, tragedies, farces, and political satires, offering insight into the evolving tastes and concerns of American audiences in the 18th and early 19th centuries.The plays within the collection tackle various themes, such as the tension between British colonial rule and American independence, the complexities of early American identity, and the influence of European theater traditions. Many of the works focus on issues of morality, class, and the challenges of creating a distinct American culture in the face of European influence. Some plays reflect the idealism of the American Revolution, while others explore more practical concerns of daily life in a new nation.