The Canon in Contemporary Theatre : Plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, and Brecht in Contemporary Directors' Theatre

This book explores the relationship between contemporary theatre, particularly contemporary theatre directors, and the dramatic canon of plays. Through focusing on productions of plays by three canonical playwrights (Shakespeare, Ibsen and Brecht) by six contemporary European directors (Emma Rice and Joe Hill-Gibbins from the UK, Christopher R?ing from Germany, Thorleifur ?n Arnarsson from Iceland and Sigrid Str? Reibo and Alexander M?k-Eidem from Norway) the book investigates why and how the theatre continues to engage with canonical plays. In particular, the book questions the political and cultural implications of theatrical reproductions of the literary canon. Drawing on Chantal Mouffe's theories of agonism and 'critical art', the book investigates whether theatrical reproduction of the canon always reconstitutes the hegemonic values and ideologies of the canon, or whether theatrical interventions in the canon can challenge such values and ideologies, and thereby also challenge the dominant ideologies and hegemonies of contemporary culture and society. This study will be great interest to academics and students in drama and theatre, particularly those who work with theatre in the 21st century, directors' theatre, and the political impact of theatre.

Author: LARS HARALD. MAAGER

Publisher: Routledge

Publication Date: Jun 04, 2024

Number of Pages: NA pages

Language: English

Binding: Hardcover

ISBN-10: 1032421401

ISBN-13: 9781032421407