Reading Texts for Performance and Performances as Texts: Shifting Paradigms in Early English Drama Studies

This collection of nineteen articles by Pamela M. King, a renowned British scholar of Early English Drama, explores the living traditions of performances in Spain, applies modern literary theory, and examines English scriptural plays from surviving manuscripts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume, edited by renowned British scholar Pamela M. King, showcases a remarkable collection of nineteen essential articles that delve into the rich tapestry of Early English Drama. What sets this collection apart is its focus on the 'living traditions of performances in Spain,' exploring their historical origins and the diverse modes of production employed. Additionally, several articles engage with modern literary theory to shed light on various aspects of early drama, while others contextualize it within the realm of late medieval poetry. Furthermore, the volume boasts a substantial compilation of articles on English scriptural plays derived from surviving manuscripts, providing valuable insights into this lesser-known facet of early theatrical heritage.

The articles in this volume cover a wide range of topics, including the influence of classical drama on Early English playwrights, the role of women in early drama, and the development of religious drama in the late Middle Ages. King's expertise in the field is evident in her insightful analysis and interpretation of these texts, which offer valuable insights into the social, cultural, and religious contexts of early English drama.

One of the standout articles in the collection is titled "The Living Traditions of Performance in Spain: Origins and Modes of Production." In this piece, King explores the rich history of performances in Spain, tracing their origins back to the Middle Ages and examining the various modes of production employed, such as puppet theater, masked performances, and carnivalesque celebrations. King's detailed research and analysis provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of these performances and their role in shaping Spanish society over centuries.

Another notable article is "The Influence of Classical Drama on Early English Playwrights." In this essay, King examines the influence of classical drama on the development of Early English playwrights, particularly during the reigns of Henry VI and Edward IV. King argues that classical drama played a crucial role in shaping the language, themes, and structures of Early English plays, and that playwrights often drew on classical sources for inspiration and guidance.

"The Role of Women in Early Drama" is another thought-provoking article that explores the representation of women in Early English drama. King argues that women were often marginalized and underrepresented in early plays, but that there were also instances of strong and influential female characters who played significant roles in the plots. King's analysis provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the evolving role of women in early English society.

"The Development of Religious Drama in the Late Middle Ages" is a comprehensive essay that examines the emergence and evolution of religious drama in the late Middle Ages. King provides a detailed account of the religious beliefs and practices that influenced the development of religious drama, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which it flourished. King's analysis offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between religion and theater in this period and its impact on the development of early English drama.

In addition to these articles, the volume also includes a rich collection of articles on English scriptural plays from surviving manuscripts. These articles provide valuable insights into the textual and performative aspects of these plays, as well as their historical and cultural significance.

Overall, this comprehensive volumeedited by Pamela M. King is a valuable resource for scholars and students of Early English Drama. The collection offers a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to the study of early drama, and its contributions to our understanding of this rich theatrical heritage will be of great interest to scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 724g
Dimension: 173 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367441180