Publicity and the Early Modern Stage: People Made Public

The essays in this collection explore how commercial theater in early modern London contributed to the production of celebrity and the development of new theories and experiences of publicity. It argues that the men and women associated with playing, including actors, authors, playgoers, characters, and local figures, introduced new ways of thinking about fame, communication networks, and theatrical publics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 08 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Before the eighteenth century, publicity took on a distinct form, characterized by its unique uses and effects. It was an intricate system organized around various individuals and institutions. In the essays collected in this volume, scholars delve into the realm of early modern London to explore the multifaceted nature of publicity. They argue compellingly that commercial theater played a crucial role in the creation and dissemination of celebrity. The actors, authors, playgoers, characters, and local figures who were integral to playhouse productions introduced novel perspectives on fame, its dissemination through communication networks, and the theatrical publics that consumed it.

Drawing upon the insights of Habermasian public sphere theory and the interdisciplinary field of celebrity studies, "Publicity and the Early Modern Stage" offers a fresh and comprehensive examination of early modern theories and experiences of publicity. The authors analyze how publicity shaped public perception, influenced social hierarchies, and contributed to the development of theatrical genres. They also explore the ways in which publicity was used to promote political agendas, propagate ideologies, and shape cultural identities.

Through their meticulous research and insightful analysis, the essays in this collection shed light on the complex and dynamic nature of publicity in the early modern period. They provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and political dynamics of a time when the concept of celebrity was still emerging and the power of publicity was yet to be fully realized. By examining the roles of various individuals and institutions in the production and circulation of publicity, this book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the early modern world.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030523343
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021