Materiality of Religion in Early Modern English Drama

ISBN-13: 9781138266025 / Angielski / Miękka / 2016 / 242 str.

Elizabeth Williamson

Opis

The Materiality of Religion in Early Modern English Drama is the first book to present a detailed examination of early modern theatrical properties informed by the complexity of post-Reformation religious practice. The study explores the relationship between popular culture and theatrical performance by considering the social history and dramatic function of certain stage properties, addressing their role as objects of devotion, idolatry, and remembrance on the professional stage.

Recenzje

’Williamson's research establishes a fruitful conversation among scholarly fields that are not always perceived as overlapping one another. ... As a result, one of the book's most attractive features is the impressive range of sources - including both early modern documents and modern critical works. ... The Materiality of Religion in Early Modern English Drama will prove valuable to scholars of Reformation history, theatrical history and material culture alike.’ Renaissance Quarterly '... the study also makes a valuable contribution to post-revisionist scholarship on the longer-term impact of the English Reformation. ... should be commended for such deft and effective straddling of the study of early modern drama, performance and religion...' Recusant History 'The Materiality of Religion in Early Modern English Drama will be of great interest to scholars of early modern stagecraft, religion, and performance hIstory.' Medieval and Renaissance Drama in England

Spis treści

Contents: Introduction: mere properties: the materiality of religious objects; 'Things newly performed': tomb properties and the survival of dramatic tradition; The trappings of ceremony: setting the table and other theatrical practices; Persistence and adaptation: staging the cross at home and abroad; The performance of piety: book properties and the paradox of dematerialized devotion; Coda: unconsidered trifles: stage properties as theatrical relics; Select bibliography; Index.

O autorze

Elizabeth Williamson is Assistant Professor of English at The Evergreen State College, USA