Pop with Gods, Shakespeare, and AI: Popular Film, (Musical) Theatre, and TV Drama

This book explores the intersection of popular culture, visual culture, performance studies, (post)feminism, and film studies to analyze literature works adapted into films, performances, TV dramas, musicals, and AI robot theatre/films. It covers a wide range of cases from both Eastern and Western countries, including well-known and lesser-known works, and offers critical and theoretical perspectives to provide context for the descriptions of these works.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This interdisciplinary and meticulously crafted book takes you on a captivating journey into the fascinating and enigmatic realm of popular film, musical theatre, and TV drama. By applying the theories of popular culture, visual culture, performance studies, (post)feminism, and film studies, it delves into the classical and contemporary cases of literature works, both Eastern and Western, being adapted, represented, and transformed into the captivating artistic medium of films, performances, TV dramas, musicals, and AI robot theatre/films.

The book's scope is vast and diverse, encompassing theatre, music, film, and television productions from both Western and Asian countries. Iris Tuan surveys an extensive range of critical and theoretical perspectives, particularly from performance studies and popular cultural studies, to provide context for her descriptions of the diverse range of works. Some of her examples are well-known, such as Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet and Disney's The Lion King, while others may be less familiar to readers outside their place of origin, such as the Hakka Theatre of Taiwan. Tuan approaches all of these examples with enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for the artistic potential of popular performance.

One of the key strengths of the book is its ability to take the reader on a speed-dating pace through contemporary culture production and interpretive theories. It presents significant works, controversies, and conundrums, selected from China, Korea, Japan, and the United States, and filtered through a Taiwanese feminist lens. This approach allows the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of popular culture in a globalized world.

Throughout the book, Tuan offers insightful analysis and commentary on the various adaptations, representations, and transformations of literature works into popular performance. She explores how these adaptations reflect and challenge societal norms, cultural values, and gender roles, while also examining the impact of technology and globalization on the production and consumption of popular culture.

In conclusion, 'Popular Performance: Theatre, Film, TV Drama' is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, culture, and performance. With its wide-ranging scope, interdisciplinary approach, and insightful analysis, the book provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the world of popular film, musical theatre, and TV drama. It is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, offering a wealth of knowledge and perspectives on this dynamic and ever-evolving field.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811572999
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020