America Under the Influence: Drinking, Culture, and Immersive Performance

Chloë Rae Edmonson's book explores how drinking culture is performative, immersive, and shapes performance space and practice. It demonstrates how social drinking and performance in themed spaces often collude to reify power dynamics, but also how performers, designers, and consumers creatively subvert them. Part I examines historic bars and clubs, and Part II explores immersive theatre productions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 04 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Chloë Rae Edmonson delves into the captivating world of performance sites across U.S. history, unveiling the profound ways in which drinking culture manifests as a performative art form. Through her meticulous analysis, she reveals how immersive performances can be intoxicating, and how alcohol shapes the very fabric of performance spaces and practices. By seamlessly combining archival research with firsthand accounts of immersive environments, Edmonson showcases how social drinking and performance in themed spaces often reinforce power dynamics inherent in mainstream American culture, such as patriarchal values, racial and wealth inequalities, and labor exploitation. However, she also highlights the remarkable instances where performers, designers, and consumers challenge these dominant attitudes in pursuit of their own creative expression and fulfillment.

Part I delves into the examination of historic bars and clubs that are meticulously designed to create immersive experiences. It explores how these spaces have played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among patrons. At the same time, they have also served as platforms for performers to showcase their talents and challenge societal norms.

Part II takes us on a journey through immersive theatre productions from the 1980s to the present day. Edmonson highlights the ways in which alcohol has been an integral part of these productions, enhancing the emotional impact and creating a sense of camaraderie among performers and audience members alike. She also explores how alcohol has influenced the creative process, inspiring performers to push the boundaries of their craft and challenge traditional storytelling conventions.

At the core of all these American examples lies alcohol, its associated cultures of immersive consumption, and the vast range of influence it wields over the bodies and minds of performers and participants. This study not only holds immense pop cultural appeal but also holds relevance for scholars and university students interested in immersive theatre and performance, drinking culture, and American studies. By delving into the intricate interplay between performance, alcohol, and power dynamics, Edmonson offers a fresh perspective on the rich tapestry of American cultural history.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032266565