Theater of the United States is based in the Western tradition and did not take on a unique dramatic identity until the emergence of Eugene O'Neill in the early 20th century, now considered by many to be the father of American drama.

美国戏剧是以西方传统为基础发展的，直到20世纪初尤金·奥尼尔(Eugene O'Neill)的出现才有了自己独特的戏剧身份，现在很多人认为他是美国戏剧之父。