Reframing the Musical: Race, Culture and Identity

This edited collection explores the musical in relation to race, culture, and identity, offering fresh perspectives on its history and calling for a radical and inclusive approach. It is essential reading for students and practitioners of musical theatre, providing an intersectional approach.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 241 pages
Publication date: 13 March 2019
Publisher: Macmillan Education UK

This comprehensive and inclusive edited collection provides a comprehensive overview of the musical in relation to issues of race, culture, and identity. By bringing together contributions from cultural, American, and theatre studies for the first time, the chapters offer fresh perspectives on musical theatre history, calling for a radical and inclusive new approach. By questioning ideas about what the musical is about and who it is for, this groundbreaking book retells the story of the musical, prioritizing previously neglected voices to reshape our understanding of the form. Timely and engaging, this is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of musical theatre, as well as theatre practitioners. It offers an intersectional approach that will be invaluable for anyone interested in exploring the complex and multifaceted world of musical theatre.

Introduction:
The musical has long been a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and social commentary. However, its relationship to issues of race, culture, and identity has often been overlooked or marginalized. This edited collection seeks to rectify that by bringing together a diverse range of scholars and practitioners to explore the complex and multifaceted ways in which the musical has been shaped by these issues.

Chapter 1:
In the opening chapter, the editors provide a historical overview of the musical, tracing its origins in Europe and its spread to the United States. They argue that the musical has been a site of both resistance and celebration, with early productions often featuring blackface and minstrel shows that perpetuated harmful stereotypes. However, there have also been examples of the musical being used to challenge and subvert these stereotypes, such as in the works of George Gershwin and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Chapter 2:
Chapter 2 focuses on the representation of race and ethnicity in musical theatre. The authors examine how the musical has been used to perpetuate or challenge stereotypes, as well as how it has been used to explore and celebrate diverse cultural identities. They also discuss the impact of race on the casting and creative processes of musical theatre, and how the industry has responded to calls for greater diversity and representation.

Chapter 3:
Chapter 3 explores the relationship between the musical and cultural identity. The authors argue that the musical is a form of cultural expression that can help to shape and reinforce individual and collective identities. They also discuss how the musical has been used to promote cultural exchange and understanding, as well as how it has been appropriated and transformed by different cultures.

Chapter 4:
Chapter 4 examines the role of the musical in promoting social justice and activism. The authors discuss how the musical has been used to raise awareness about important social issues, such as racism, inequality, and climate change, and how it has been used to mobilize and inspire audiences to take action action. They also explore the challenges and limitations of using the musical as a tool for social change, and how it can be more effective in promoting social justice.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this edited collection offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the musical in relation to issues of race, culture, and identity. By bringing together.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 148 x 209 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781352004397
Edition number: 1st ed. 2019