Arthur Bradley, "Staging Sovereignty: Theory, Theater, Thaumaturgy" (Columbia UP, 2024)
New Books in Critical Theory
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Theater of Sovereignty: Props and Politics
This chapter explores the intersection of theater and political authority through significant props, such as the chair and holy oil, reflecting their historical and symbolic meanings. It discusses the evolution of sovereignty concepts from a personal representation of rulers to an abstract 'sovereignty of theatre,' emphasizing how theatricality shapes modern political discourse and democracy. The chapter also engages with decolonial perspectives, critiquing Eurocentric narratives while examining the rich historical significance of these props in both political and theatrical realms.
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