The Theatrical Public Sphere - Brossura

Balme, Christopher B

Brossura

ISBN 10: 1316638871 ISBN 13: 9781316638873

Casa editrice: Cambridge University Press, 2017

Riassunto

The concept of the public sphere, as first outlined by German philosopher Jürgen Habermas, refers to the right of all citizens to engage in debate on public issues on equal terms. In this book, Christopher B. Balme explores theatre's role in this crucial political and social function. He traces its origins and argues that the theatrical public sphere invariably focuses attention on theatre as an institution between the shifting borders of the private and public, reasoned debate and agonistic intervention. Chapters explore this concept in a variety of contexts, including the debates that led to the closure of British theatres in 1642, theatre's use of media, controversies surrounding race, religion and blasphemy, and theatre's place in a new age of globalised aesthetics. Balme concludes by addressing the relationship of theatre today with the public sphere and whether theatre's transformation into an art form has made it increasingly irrelevant for contemporary society.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

'Balme presents us with a fascinating tour de force ... he is not only able to unravel a persuasive argument and extend Habermas' theory to performance, but by doing so he also questions the very fabric of the theatre and the way it operates.' Anselm Heinrich, Scottish Journal of Performance

'The Theatrical Public Sphere is a masterful and vital contribution ... It will prove essential to researchers seeking rigorous theorizations of the public sphere in many contexts, and its implications for theatre studies demands serious consideration.' Hillary Miller, Theatre Survey

'[An] instructive and even salutary book.' Nicholas Ridout, The Times Literary Supplement

'[A] deeply thoughtful and copiously researched book.' David Krasner, Theatre Journal

'This book ... should prompt ongoing lively exchange in and on the public sphere.' Loren Kruger, TDR: The Drama Review

Descrizione del libro:

Christopher B. Balme explores theatre's role in the crucial political and social function of the public sphere, from the debates that led to the closure of British theatres in 1642 to the relevance of theatre for society today in a new age of globalised distributed aesthetics.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Cambridge University Press
• Data di pubblicazione: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1316638871
• ISBN 13: 9781316638873
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 234