
Art and Politics
Psychoanalysis, Ideology, Theatre
Walter A. Davis(Author)
Pluto Press
Published on 20. December 2006
Book
Hardback
192 pages
978-0-7453-2648-1 (ISBN)
Description
This book explores the complex relationship between art and politics. Walter Davis uses his extensive knowledge of psychoanalysis to develop a philosophical critique of the impact that the current political climate is having on all artistic endeavour. He uses examples from a wide variety of fields including the theatre and popular culture, to show how true artistic freedom of expression is under threat from the ideological constraints imposed by contemporary capitalism.
Starting with an analysis of the censorship of the play 'My Name is Rachel Corrie', which was withdrawn from production by a major New York theatre due to political pressure, Davis shows how all art that challenges the mainstream is suppressed or distorted to suit the politics of our time - one that will not recognise the truth of human experience and the disorder at the heart of all civilization.
Starting with an analysis of the censorship of the play 'My Name is Rachel Corrie', which was withdrawn from production by a major New York theatre due to political pressure, Davis shows how all art that challenges the mainstream is suppressed or distorted to suit the politics of our time - one that will not recognise the truth of human experience and the disorder at the heart of all civilization.
Reviews / Votes
'The right wing has of course attempted to censor shows involving sex and religion. Davis admits to having a left-wing view and it is refreshing to see that he is capable of recognising the problems in his own side of the political spectrum' -- Books-On-LineMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Library binding
Dimensions
Height: 215 mm
Width: 135 mm
Weight
341 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7453-2648-1 (9780745326481)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Walter A. Davis is Professor Emeritus in the Department of English at Ohio State University. He is the author of Art and Politics: Psychoanalysis, Ideology, Theatre (Pluto, 2006) and Death's Dream Kingdom: The American Psyche Since 9-11 (Pluto, 2006).
Content
PART ONE-THE CORRIE CONTROVERSY: A DRAMA IN THREE ACTS
1. The Play's the Thing: Censorship, Theatre and Ideology
2. Mendacity: Progressive Theatre Under Capitalism
3. Beyond the Corrie Controversy: Manifesto for a Radical Theatre
PART TWO-IDEOLOGY: THE HEART OF THE ULCER
4. The Trouble With Truffles: On the Ideological Paralysis of the Left
5. The Humanist Tradition: The Philosophic and Rhetorical Roots of Ideological Paralysis
PART THREE-THE WAY OUT OF THE CAVE
Overture-Happy Birthday, Sam
6. The Knot at the Center: The Tragic Structure of Experience
7. An Evening With JonBenet Ramsey
8. Between Two Deaths: Life on the Row
Notes
Index
1. The Play's the Thing: Censorship, Theatre and Ideology
2. Mendacity: Progressive Theatre Under Capitalism
3. Beyond the Corrie Controversy: Manifesto for a Radical Theatre
PART TWO-IDEOLOGY: THE HEART OF THE ULCER
4. The Trouble With Truffles: On the Ideological Paralysis of the Left
5. The Humanist Tradition: The Philosophic and Rhetorical Roots of Ideological Paralysis
PART THREE-THE WAY OUT OF THE CAVE
Overture-Happy Birthday, Sam
6. The Knot at the Center: The Tragic Structure of Experience
7. An Evening With JonBenet Ramsey
8. Between Two Deaths: Life on the Row
Notes
Index