The Changeling: The State of Play

This collection of essays explores The Changeling by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley, focusing on critical and theatrical approaches, space, theology, collaboration, disability, and performance. Contributors from various countries offer diverse perspectives, challenging previous interpretations and providing a comprehensive understanding of the play.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive collection of original essays delves into the enigmatic revenge tragedy, The Changeling, penned by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley. Spanning 13 chapters, it explores diverse themes such as space, theology, collaboration, disability, both mental and physical, and performance in both early modern and contemporary contexts. Organized into six sections, the essays provide a thorough examination of these critical aspects, offering valuable insights for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Contributors from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Switzerland, contribute their expertise to this volume. Their diverse perspectives and approaches enrich the discussion, broadening the scope of critical inquiry beyond the previous tendency to treat Middleton as merely an early modern equivalent of Henrik Ibsen, to overlook Rowley's contributions, and to solely focus on a single aspect of the play's plot.

Among the key themes and topics explored in the essays are performance, space and affect, authorial collaboration, gender and representation, violence, and disability. The authors analyze the play's theatrical aspects, exploring how performances have shaped its interpretation and reception over time. They also delve into the spatial dimensions of the drama, examining how the setting and stage design contribute to the overall narrative and emotional impact.

The essays on authorial collaboration shed light on the collaborative process behind the writing of The Changeling, highlighting the contributions of Middleton, Rowley, and other collaborators. They explore the dynamics of teamwork, the exchange of ideas, and the influence of different artistic traditions on the play's composition.

Gender and representation are central themes in the essays, as the authors examine how the play portrays and challenges traditional gender roles. They explore the representation of women, men, and non-binary characters, analyzing their roles, motivations, and the societal expectations they confront. The essays also consider the play's exploration of power dynamics, gender inequality, and the consequences of gender-based violence.

Violence is another prominent theme in the collection, as the authors analyze the play's portrayal of violence and its impact on the characters and the audience. They explore the various forms of violence depicted on stage, including physical, psychological, and emotional abuse, and consider how these acts shape the narrative and the characters' development.

Disability, both mental and physical, is explored in the essays as well. The authors examine how the play represents and challenges notions of disability and how it intersects with other themes such as gender, power, and identity. They explore the experiences of disabled characters, their struggles, and their contributions to the plot, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and representation in the theater.

In addition to the critical analysis, the collection includes a selected bibliography that provides readers with a comprehensive guide. This bibliography. The bibliography

In conclusion, this collection of original essays on The Changeling offers a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of early modern theater. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the play's critical and theatrical history, offering insights into its themes, characters, and historical context. With contributions from esteemed critics and emerging scholars from diverse backgrounds, the collection encourages readers to engage with a range of critical approaches to the play, broadening their understanding and appreciation of this important revenge tragedy. By delving into various aspects of the drama, from performance to space and affect, authorial collaboration to gender and representation, violence to disability, the essays provide a rich tapestry of critical perspectives that will enrich the study of early modern theater and beyond.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350288430