The Dramatic Society: Essays on Contemporary Performance and Political Theory

Societies are dramatic, with case studies linking politics, history, and culture. The Dramatic Society examines selected plays to explore historical moments, such as Medea as an icon of terrorism, a choreography based on Shakespeare's As You Like It, horror movies about the German unification, a truth commission dealing with human zoos, and the reconstruction of Ai Weiwei's troubles with the tax authorities. This collection of essays explores the relationship between theater and politics, offering insights for scholars and students of theater studies, performance studies, contemporary politics, and cultural studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

All societies are inherently dramatic, presenting themselves as captivating and perplexing tapestries of theatrical events and constructions. Occasionally, the very essence of the theatre itself manages to encapsulate this fascination and confusion. This book presents a comprehensive exploration of the dramatic society through a series of case studies that seamlessly intertwine politics, history, and culture.

The Dramatic Society employs a diverse range of plays to examine specific historical moments. Its subject matter spans a wide spectrum, encompassing iconic representations of terrorism such as Medea, choreographies inspired by Shakespeare's As You Like It, horror films that explore the German unification, truth commissions addressing human zoos, and the reconstruction of artist Ai Weiwei's conflicts with tax authorities. This collection of insightful essays delves into theatrical performances from the past fifty years, each chapter seeking to establish connections between artistic events and politics, ranging from the philosophical frameworks of Hannah Arendt to the critical perspectives of Slavoj Žižek.

This book offers a profound examination of the intricate interplay between drama and politics, providing valuable insights for scholars and students engaged in the fields of theatre studies, performance studies, contemporary politics, and cultural studies. It sheds light on the ways in which drama and politics intertwine, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape our world.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367483159