From Mimesis to Interculturalism: Readings of Theatrical Theory Before and After 'Modernism'

From Mimesis to Interculturalism provides critical readings of key texts in the history of European and American theatrical and performance theory, challenging assumptions and re-examining the basis of theatrical theory from its origins in Greek antiquity to the present day.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2021
Publisher: University of Exeter Press

From Mimesis to Interculturalism is a comprehensive and critical exploration of key texts in the history of European and American theatrical and performance theory. It addresses the pressing need for a detailed critique of theatrical theory, spanning from its ancient Greek origins to the present day. The book challenges readers to reevaluate the foundations of assumptions that are often taken for granted but are often perceived as truths. By focusing on the European tradition before Stanislavski and the theorists who have gained prominence since Grotowski, it complements existing studies of major modern theorists. The central theme of all the readings is the intricate interplay between language and the creation of meaning.

Part One delves into the works of classical and classicizing theorists from Greece and the European enlightenment, while Part Two examines twentieth-century theorists after Grotowski. In Part Three, the approach is applied to exemplary theorists from the modern canon and to certain contemporary theoretical proposals.

Through these critical readings, From Mimesis to Interculturalism offers a fresh perspective on theatrical theory, challenging readers to think deeply about the foundations of performance and the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world. It is an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of theater and performance.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781905816170