In Performing Autobiography; Jenn Stephenson presents an innovative new approach to autobiography studies that links the growing field of research to drama. Stephensonrsquo;s analysis engages with performance histories to demonstrate the extent to which the dramatic form; which recasts autobiography as ambiguously fictive; ensures that the experience of the plays remains open to revision; alteration; and interpretation. As such; Performing Autobiography understands this form not to be the impossible documentation of the backward-looking narrative of onersquo;s life; but rather an evolving process of self-creation and transformation.Stephenson explores the autobiographical form by analysing seven works by Canadian playwrights written and performed between 1999 and 2009; including Judith Thompsonrsquo;s Perfect Pie; Daniel MacIvorrsquo;s In On It; and Timothy Findleyrsquo;s Shadows. Her analysis encourages us to see autobiography as a uniquely political act; one that; where enacted on stage; illustrates the variety of ways that self-reflection and interpretation has an expanding role in contemporary culture.
#1077469 in eBooks 2006-07-27 2006-07-27File Name: B00EMLDPPU
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not an easy read. Text-bookishBy Mary Mary MaryReads like some of the boring text box I had in college. There is some interesting information but its pretty dry .7 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Embrace complexity Secrets from a more intelligent eraBy SlothropWithout even commenting on the actual content; the style of this book is the complete opposite of our current oversimplified; dumbed down swill. The prose is dense and stream of consciousness styled; and necessarily complex. Greil Marcus drills down deeply; as far back as medieval times to synthesize an explanation of the Punk movement. He used documented but suppressed or forgotten historic events and movements to prove that Punk is not simply raw youthful rebellion; but part of a larger; self-validating philosophical paradigm. This coherency of this paradigm has evolved over the centuries; and it is never articulated in readily accessible form; but always lurking in the shadows. And it had repeatedly caused radical; worldwide change. Read this book if you dare; and if you can. Embrace complexity.2 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Arrival Initial ReadingBy alex rubinSo far; the condition content of the book have completely met my expectations (of which there were not many but had it been a piece of crap; my rating would have reflected this). Ive found no complaints; just trying to keep up with the pacing of the book that Greil Marcus has provided which is quite rapid and jumps around in time quite a lot while loading the text heavily with historical; cultural references that at times escape me. Its a lot to take in at once but Im enjoying this product nevertheless.