The Colonial Public and the Parsi Stage: The Making of the Theatre of Empire (1853-1893)

The Colonial Public and the Parsi Stage is the first comprehensive study of the Parsi theatre, colonial South and Southeast Asia's most influential cultural phenomenon, and the precursor to the Indian cinema industry. It explores the motivations that led to the development of the popular, commercial theatre movement in Asia, focusing on the vernacular public sphere, the emergence of competing visions of nationhood, and the narratological function of women.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The Colonial Public and the Parsi Stage is a groundbreaking exploration of the Parsi theatre, a cultural phenomenon that had a profound impact on colonial South and Southeast Asia and paved the way for the Indian cinema industry. This comprehensive study provides extensive, unpublished information on the theatre's early actors, audiences, production methods, and plays, shedding light on how it transformed from a regional art form into a pan-Asian entertainment industry in the second half of the nineteenth century.

Through three areas of investigation—the vernacular public sphere, the emergence of competing visions of nationhood, and the narratological function that women played within a continually shifting socio-political order—Nicholson delves into the motivations that led to the development of the popular, commercial theatre movement in Asia. The book offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between culture, society, and politics during this period, making it a must-read for scholars across various disciplines, including cultural history, gender studies, Victorian studies, the sociology of religion, colonialism, and theatre.

Notably, The Colonial Public and the Parsi Stage has received recognition and acclaim from the academic community. It has won the Theatre Library Association's George Freedley Memorial Award Special Jury Prize, been shortlisted for the TaPRA David Bradby book prize, and been a finalist for the American Society for Theatre Research's Barnard Hewitt Award. These accolades testify to the significance and impact of this work on the field of theatre studies.

In conclusion, The Colonial Public and the Parsi Stage is a groundbreaking contribution to the study of theatre and cultural history. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the Parsi theatre and its role in shaping the cultural landscape of colonial South and Southeast Asia, Nicholson has opened up new avenues for research and understanding. This book is a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike and will undoubtedly inspire further exploration of the rich and complex history of the region.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030658380
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021