Shakespeare and the Force of Modern Performance
1st Edition
Published on 28. January 2005
978-0-511-02970-7 (ISBN)
Description
Shakespeare and the Force of Modern Performance asks a central theoretical question in the study of drama: what is the relationship between the dramatic text and the meanings of performance? Developing the notion of 'performativity' explored by J. L. Austin, Judith Butler, and others, Worthen argues that the text cannot govern the force of its performance. Instead the text becomes significant only as embodied in the changing conventions of its performance. Worthen explores this understanding of dramatic performativity by interrogating several contemporary sites of Shakespeare production. He analyses how Shakespeare is recreated in historical performance, exemplified by the Globe Theatre on Bankside; by international and intercultural performance; by film; and by the appearance of Shakespeare on the Internet. The book includes detailed discussions of recent film and stage productions, and sets Shakespeare performance alongside other works of contemporary drama and theatre.
Reviews / Votes
'A handy introduction to Shakespeare in contemporary performance.' Cahiers Elisabethains 'Worthen's book is an erudite and truly illuminating study. It not only discusses the relevant research, but also makes its point by meticulously and brilliantly analysing performances from all over the world.' Journal of Theatre Research International '... measured, wide-ranging, and generous ...'. The Drama Review 'W. B. Worthen's book is a welcome addition to the rowing body of studies that deal with various aspects of Shakespearean 'performativity' in the contemporary theatre ... Shakespeare and the Force of Modern Performance is a lucid and often entertaining addition to his already impressive body of critical work.' Modern Language ReviewMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Cambridge University Press
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
File size
2,00 MB
ISBN-13
978-0-511-02970-7 (9780511029707)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
W. B. Worthen
Shakespeare and the Force of Modern Performance
Book
01/2003
Cambridge University Press
€122.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
W. B. Worthen
Shakespeare and the Force of Modern Performance
Book
01/2003
Cambridge University Press
€60.90
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
W. B. Worthen is Professor and Chair of the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of The Idea of the Actor: Drama and the Ethics of Performance (1984), Modern Drama and the Rhetoric of Theater (1992), Shakespeare and the Authority of Performance (Cambridge, 1997), and of a wide range of articles on drama and performance in major journals.
Content
Introduction: dramatic performativity and the force of performance; 1. Performing history; 2. Globe performativity; 3. Shakespearean geographies; 4. Cyber-performance.
