Theatre in the Expanded Field is a fiercely original; bold and daring exploration of the fields of theatre and performance studies and the received narratives and histories that underpin them. Rich with interdisciplinary reference; international; eclectic and broad-ranging in its examples; it offers readers a compelling and provocative reassessment of the disciplines; one that spans pre-history to the present day.Sixty years ago; in 1962; Richard Southern wrote a remarkable book called The Seven Ages of the Theatre. It was unusual in its time for taking a trans-disciplinary; new-historical and avowedly internationalist approach to its subject - nothing less than a totalizing view of its field. Theatre in the Expanded Field does not attempt to mimic Southerns work but rather takes his spirit of adventure and ambition as its frame for the contemporary moment of performance and its diverse pasts. Identifying seven ways of exploring the performance field; from pre-history to postdramatic theatre the book presents studies of both contemporary and historical works not as a chronological succession; but in keeping with their coeval qualities; as movements or generations of connection and interaction; dissensus and interruption. It does this with the same purpose as Richard Southerns original work: to provide for the planning of responsive performance spaces now. Illustrated throughout with line-drawings; Theatre in the Expanded Field is as richly rewarding as it is ambitious and expansive in it vision.
#1169962 in eBooks 1994-08-01 1994-08-01File Name: B00G28USZ6
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. For Me a New Way to Think of Commandments.By Lynn A. EllsworthOpened up a whole new way for me to understand what a commandment is. Far different than the usual 10 commandments I was use to. As I read the 613 commandments I became amused realizing that Muslims seem to obey these commandments more than Jews or Christians do.Many of the commandments were meant to keep people from intermarrying with people outside of their tribe and who you can have sex with. Just early sexism and racism.I have a strong fear of all religions because of how many people have been killed by religions over the centuries and my feelings that religions were just something we men created to justify our mistreatment of women. "The 613" book supports my fear and disgust with religions.I wasnt able to understand some of the pictures or connect them to the commandments they were shown with.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Evocative and captivatingBy Kilian85710This isnt really a book one reads. It is a collection of images; one for each commandment in the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible). Contrary to common knowledge; there are many more than ten; and even if you take a close look at the ten; you will see that some of them arent commandments at all. That is one reason I prefer the title Decalogue; from the Greek for ten words. It is a closer translation to the original Hebrew; the ten sayings.In the Torah; there are 603 more that are actual commandments: do this; dont do that. For each of these commandment; Archer has painted an image. It is almost impossible to put the book down because the images are so evocative and challenging. The commandment and Biblical reference are given in no particular order that I can see; they are almost random; except for the ones that belong in groups.I did hear an interview where he explained one image; Number 7. The commandment is Not to profane [Gods] name. The image is of a giraffe; which the artist explained he chose because giraffes are mute. They have no vocal cords and are completely unable to violate this commandment.Others are more obscure. Why a vivid image of the widowed Empress Victoria; massive in her black dress; to illustrate Make no covenant with Canaanites or their gods.? Some allusion to the British empire at its height?I dont now. I only know that the book is almost impossible to put down.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Archie Rands visual representations of the 613 blessings range from ...By Rita DaniggelisArchie Rands visual representations of the 613 blessings range from mystifying to exhilarating. Sometimes disturbing; it challenges you to understand the strength and power of each one. Each painting brings a new thought; a deeper meaning and a contemporary slant to each mitzvah in a way that sometimes enhances and sometimes shatters previous interpretations. Every time I pick up the book; I learn something new from the insight he shares and I become engrossed in the enormity of this particular work of art and in Mr. Rands unflinching artistic talent to expand and explore.