Unbridled: Studying Religion in Performance

William Robert uses Peter Shaffers play Equus to study religion, engaging with themes such as ritual, sacrifice, worship, power, desire, violence, and sexuality, and challenging readers to reimagine the study of religion through open questions, contrasting perspectives, and alternative modes of interpretation and appreciation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In his book "Unbridled: A Study of Religion through the Lens of Peter Shaffers Play Equus," William Robert explores the enigmatic play by Peter Shaffers, delving into its themes of religion, passion, and the human condition. Robert has been utilizing "Equus" to introduce students to the study of religion, challenging them to perceive it in unconventional and sometimes uncomfortable ways. Through "Unbridled," he invites readers to engage with the play in a unique manner, turning it around and upside down.

A play like "Equus" encompasses various elements, including text, performance, practice, embodiment, and reception. Studying a play involves assuming different roles, both as oneself and as others, and the imaginative work required in these roles is crucial to the study of religion. By approaching "Equus" with the reader, "Unbridled" disrupts conventional approaches to the study of religion, engaging with themes such as ritual, sacrifice, worship, power, desire, violence, and sexuality, as well as influential thinkers like Judith Butler, Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Jonathan Z. Smith.

As "Unbridled" demonstrates, the themes and theories explored in "Equus" prompt us to reimagine the study of religion through open-ended questions, contrasting perspectives, and alternative modes of interpretation and appreciation. By delving into the complexities of the play, readers are encouraged to reflect on the profound implications of religion and its impact on individuals and society. "Unbridled" serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of religious thought and its relevance in contemporary life.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226816586