Foucault'S Theatres

The book explores Foucault's relevance to theatre and performance studies, offering cutting-edge research by established and emerging writers. It rereads Foucault's engagement with truth, power, and politics in light of previously unknown writings and lectures, revealing a 'theatrical Foucault' and the affinity of his thinking with questions of performativity. It is accessible to experienced researchers and advanced students encountering Foucault's work for the first time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

The book contributes significantly to the field of theatre and performance studies by employing Foucault's critical insights. It features cutting-edge research by established and emerging scholars in diverse areas such as dramaturgy, film, music, cultural history, and journalism. The primary objective of the volume is to make Foucault's work accessible to both seasoned researchers and advanced students who are encountering his ideas for the first time.

In the introduction, a comprehensive and enlightening evaluation of Foucault's significance to theatre and performance studies is provided, as well as to our current cultural context. It rereads Foucault's profound engagement with issues of truth, power, and politics in light of previously unpublished writings and lectures that are contextualized in relation to contemporary political and cultural concerns.

A distinctive aspect of this volume is the revelation of a "theatrical Foucault." This discovery establishes a profound connection between Foucault's thinking and questions of performativity. As a result, the volume offers a valuable entry point for readers interested in exploring the "performance turn" within Foucault's oeuvre, while also providing new avenues for interpreting his work "theatrically."

The book comprises a collection of scholarly articles that explore various aspects of Foucault's influence on theatre and performance. Each contribution offers a fresh perspective on his ideas and methodologies, while also engaging with contemporary theatrical practices and performances. The chapters are organized into thematic sections, allowing for a comprehensive examination of Foucault's contributions to the field.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the relationship between power and knowledge. Foucault's analysis of the historical development of power structures and the mechanisms of surveillance and discipline has profound implications for the understanding of theatre and performance. Scholars examine how theatre and performance can be used as tools for subverting power structures, challenging dominant narratives, and promoting social change.

Another important theme is the concept of performativity. Foucault's understanding of performativity as a mode of self-presentation and the construction of identity has influenced the way in which theatre and performance are understood. Scholars explore how performativity operates in various theatrical practices, such as improvisation, drag performance, and experimental theatre, and how it contributes to the creation of new forms of subjectivity and representation.

The book also examines the relationship between theatre and politics. Foucault's analysis of the relationship between power and knowledge has implications for the way in which theatre is produced, consumed, and interpreted. Scholars explore how theatre can be used as a platform for political activism and social commentary, as well as how it can be used to challenge dominant ideologies and power structures.

In addition to these thematic chapters, the book includes case studies that illustrate the application of Foucault's ideas to specific theatrical practices and performances. These case studies provide concrete examples of how Foucault's insights can be used to analyze and interpret theatrical works, and how they can contribute to our understanding of the complex relationship between theatre and society.

Overall, the book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Foucault's relevance to theatre and performance studies. It provides a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in the intersection of philosophy, theatre, and performance, and it contributes to the ongoing dialogue between these disciplines.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 158 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526135704