Performing Arts Collections Guide

Particular areas of focus include drama and music, though coverage extends to dance, opera, burlesque, performance art, and more. The geographical scope of the collection is broad, from dance in India and Australia to music in Greenland. It should be noted that, historically, the collection has emphasised the study, practice, and history of the performing arts in Europe, with other areas of the globe covered less extensively – or understood ethnographically. For instance, researchers of African music may consult items shelved under S. Ethnology &c. as well as S. Music. New acquisitions continue to be made, and we welcome suggestions for additions to the collection.

Coverage is strongest from the 18th century to the present, though older works are also held. These include Giambattista Cinzio Giraldi’s Le Tragedie (1583), Thomas Morley’s A plaine and easie introduction to practicall musicke (1608), and Jean Georges Noverre’s Lettres sur la danse, et sur les ballets (1760). As indicated by those examples, the collection includes works in many modern European languages, plus Russian, Latin, and others.  

Founded in 1841, the Library’s collection has grown each year and we hold titles from the late 18th century onwards on the open shelves.  As a result, our collection reflects the evolution and changes in thinking in a particular subject and does mean that you may come across titles which contain ideas and vocabulary that would be considered abhorrent today. The collection continues to grow with some 5,000 new titles being added each year. As we develop the collection, we seek to ensure that the controversial topics of today are represented from all sides of a debate.