Scenes from Bourgeois Life

Scenes from Bourgeois Life argues that theatre spectatorship has contributed to the development of a distinctive bourgeois sensibility characterized by the cultivation of distance, both in the colonial relation and in the broader disposition to observe and judge the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Scenes from Bourgeois Life is a groundbreaking work that suggests that theatre spectatorship has played a crucial role in the historical formation of a distinct bourgeois sensibility. According to Nicholas Ridout, this sensibility is characterized by a cultivation of distance, which operates on two distinct levels. Firstly, there is the distance of the colonial relation, encompassing not only the physical distance between Jamaica and London but also the social, economic, and psychological gaps that exist within this relationship. Secondly, there is the distance of spectatorship, which extends beyond the individual modern theatregoer as a consumer and encompasses the broader and pervasive tendency to observe, comment, and judge others. This study, written in an engaging and accessible style, provides compelling evidence for the significance of theatre and highlights the importance of examining the question of theatre's historical relevance. By delving into the complexities of history, class, and spectatorship, Scenes from Bourgeois Life offers a valuable perspective on the role of theatre in shaping society and culture.

Introduction:
Scenes from Bourgeois Life is a seminal work that explores the relationship between theatre spectatorship, historical development, and the cultivation of a distinctive bourgeois sensibility. The book proposes that theatre spectatorship has played a significant role in shaping the historical trajectory of bourgeois culture, characterized by a sense of distance and detachment. In this essay, we will examine the arguments put forth by Nicholas Ridout in his book and explore the implications of his insights for our understanding of theatre spectatorship and its role in the historical process.

The Distance of the Colonial Relation:
Nicholas Ridout argues that the distance of the colonial relation is a crucial factor in the formation of the bourgeois sensibility. The colonial relationship, he suggests, involved not only the physical distance between different regions but also the social, economic, and psychological gaps that existed between the colonizers and the colonized. These gaps were exacerbated by the hierarchical structure of colonial power, which created a sense of superiority and entitlement among the colonizers and a sense of inferiority and subjugation among the colonized.

The Distance of Spectatorship:
Ridout also argues that the distance of spectatorship is a key component of the bourgeois sensibility. He suggests that the modern theatregoer, as a consumer of theatre, is not only concerned with the performance itself but also with the broader social and cultural context in which the performance is situated. The modern theatregoer, therefore, tends to observe and judge the performance not only as a work of art but also as a reflection of the larger social and political structures of which it is a part.

The Importance of Theatre:
Scenes from Bourgeois Life offers compelling evidence for the importance of theatre in shaping the historical development of bourgeois culture. Theatre, according to Ridout, provides a platform for the exploration and expression of complex social and cultural issues, which can help to challenge and undermine the dominant ideologies of the time. By providing a space for the marginalized and oppressed to voice their concerns and experiences, theatre can contribute to the formation of a more inclusive and democratic society.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Scenes from Bourgeois Life is a thought-provoking and insightful work that offers valuable insights into the relationship between theatre spectatorship, historical development, and the cultivation of a distinctive bourgeois sensibility. By examining the distance of the colonial relation and the distance of spectatorship, Ridout demonstrates the importance of theatre in shaping the historical trajectory of bourgeois culture. The book provides a compelling argument for the significance of theatre in our contemporary society and highlights the need for continued examination of the question of theatre's historical relevance.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472039203