Theatricality

Specially-commissioned essays explore the element of performance theory known as "theatricality" in six case studies that use specific circumstances to illustrate how the concept of "theatricality" developed. Topics covered include early use of the term; employment of theatricality by other disciplines to describe events; non-Western interpretation of theatricality; and its role in analyzing political and cultural events and philosophies. The book provides an introductory guide for those discovering the complex yet rewarding world of performance theory.

Acknowledgements; Notes on contributors; List of illustrations; 1. Theatricality: an introduction Thomas Postlewait and Tracy C. Davis; 2. Performing miracles: the mysterious mimesis of Valenciennes (1547) Jody Enders; 3. Theatricality in classical Chinese drama Haiping Yan; 4. Theatricality and antitheatricality in Renaissance London Thomas Postlewait; 5. Theatricality and civil society Tracy C. Davis; 6. Defining political performance with Foucault and Habermas: strategic and communicative action Jon Erickson; 7. Theatricality's proper objects: genealogies of performance and gender theory Shannon Jackson; Works cited; Index.