Performing Objects and Theatrical Things (PDF)

Nicole Berkin, The Graduate Center, CUNY, USA
Leo Cabranes-Grant, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
Lezlie C. Cross, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA
Minty Donald, University of Glasgow, UK
Benjamin Gillespie, The Graduate Center, CUNY, USA
Chandra Owenby Hopkins, Converse College, USA
Karen Jean Martinson, Chicago State University, USA
Kee-Yoon Nahm, Yale University, USA
Aileen Robinson, Northwestern University, USA
Christopher Swift, New York City College of Technology, CUNY, USA
Joanne Tompkins, University of Queensland, Australia
Helene Vosters, York University, Canada
Margaret Werry, University of Minnesota, USA

'This valuable collection approaches performance through a focus on objects, and objects through a focus on performance. Across a variety of engaging essays, the book makes evident the range of new materialisms taking shape in and as performance studies as well as the contribution performance studies can make to the new materialist criticism.' - Rebecca Schneider, Brown University, USA

'Performing Objects and Theatrical Things is a stimulating, multifaceted intercisciplinary exploration of the theatrical and performance life of everyday objects in light of recent new materialist, actor network, 'thing' and other theories, held together by the conviction, as the editors say, that matter matters. It will be essential reading for students of theatre and performance for years to come.' - Ric Knowles, Editor, Theatre Journal

'This timely book offers multiple perspectives on the intersection between performance and materiality. With precision and daring, the essays analyze objects onstage, in archives, and in everyday life, as well as the material textures of performance itself. Marlis Schweitzer and Joanne Zerdy's masterful Introduction provides an ideal overview of the theoretical terrain, thus making the anthology accessible to those new to the field. This is a lively, useful, deeply interesting book.' Robin Bernstein, author of Racial Innocence: Performing American Childhood from Slavery to Civil Rights