French Theatre, Orientalism, and the Representation of India, 1770-1865: India Lost and Regained

This book explores the French theatricalization of India from 1770 to 1865, examining how plays represented India to the French public and staged issues within French culture such as colonialism, imperialism, race, gender, and national politics. It analyzes the works to illustrate a complex of cultural representations and assesses their role in shaping the theatrical face of Western hegemony.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate process of French theatricalization of India from 1770 to 1865, exploring how a diverse array of plays not only portrayed India to the French viewing public but also brought forth critical issues within French culture, encompassing colonialism, imperialism, race, gender, and national politics. By meticulously examining these texts, alongside available performance histories, and integrating historical texts and cultural theory, David Hammerback conducts a profound analysis to unravel the complex tapestry of cultural representations. Through this analytical lens, he highlights a range of artistic expressions, some challenging established Orientalism, others engaging with Western colonialist discourses, and still others occupying a nuanced space between these two ideological markers in Western culture and the arts. Furthermore, Hammerback assesses the works that played a pivotal role in shaping the theatrical landscape of Western hegemony, encompassing those that directly adhered to Edward Said's definition of Orientalism and others that engaged with alternative perspectives. This book holds immense appeal to students and scholars alike, specializing in theatre, French literature, history, and cultural studies. Its rich content and insightful analysis provide valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of cultural exchange and the role of the arts in shaping historical narratives.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367644291