Description
Book SynopsisThis book is an exploration of the linguistic, structural, historical, and thematic relationships of religion and drama. It is not an attempt to sacralize drama so that it becomes a substitute for religion, nor will it reduce religion to its aesthetic dimension. What does religion tell us about drama, and what does drama tell us about religion? What have been their inter-actions in our tradition? The conversation between religion and culture, drama and Christianity, needs to be ongoing. This book is a contribution to the dialogue, asking questions, pointing towards possible answers, and encouraging others to join in the conversation.
Trade ReviewNelvin Vos' insightful study of the interrelationship of theater and religion, drama and worship, shows a deep appreciation for the ways that both depend on a holy and living presence...Theologians no less than theatre historians will appreciate this well-crafted consideration of how this powerful artistic medium has the ability to reveal mysteries, tell truths, and transform hearts. -- Robin M. Jensen, Patrick O’Brien Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame
In spite of the extensive cross-fertilization between religion and theater throughout history, and in spite of their common origins in the human attempt to "see" and enact the transcendent, the many connections between religion and theater are seldom well articulated. That is partly because both have become so manifold in practice that it is hard to see their underlying relationships clearly. Nelvin Vos is a good guide for those seeking clarity in this confusing landscape. He walks the reader through it with skill and insight. Along the way he makes his chosen pieces of theater come vividly alive as we read. -- Tom F. Driver
Dr. Nelvin Vos has provided the present moment with an important and provocative book! Its special value lies in its particular timeliness. Just when religion seems to be defining itself by dogmatism, ideology and doctrinaire literalism, Dr. Vos has demonstrated compellingly that the genius of religion lies in its dramatic and aesthetic qualities, qualities that are characterized by playfulness. -- David L. Miller, Watson-Ledden Professor of Religion Emeritus at Syracuse University
In this remarkable book, Nelvin Vos revisits in the many forms of the Western theatre its close continuing relationship with the sacred, the sacramental and the religious. Close readings of plays from Greek tragedy to Peter Shaffer and Tony Kushner offer us a panorama of the stage upon which we too are merely players, but also and at the same time awestruck witnesses of the cosmic drama of the gods and God. -- David Jasper, DD FRSE, founding director of the Centre for the Study of Literature, Theology, and the Arts, University of Glasgow
Table of ContentsPart 1 Preface Part 2 Acknowledgments Part 3 Introduction—Places of Seeing: Religion and Theater Part 4 Part One: Drama and Religion: Their Languages Part 5 Chapter 1—Drama: Where the Action Is Part 6 Chapter 2—Biblical Revelation: The Mighty Acts of God Part 7 Part Two: Drama and Religion: Their Structures Part 8 Chapter 3— Ritual: The Act Re-Done Part 9 Chapter 4—The Play's the Thing in Drama and Religion Part 10 Chapter 5—Worship: The Drama Re-Enacted Part 11 Part Three: Drama and Religion: Their History Part 12 Chapter 6—Dionysus: Lord of the Greek Theater Part 13 Chapter 7—Religion and Drama in Opposition: Two Instances Part 14 Chapter 8—The Medieval Stage: The Inherent Drama in the Mass Part 15 Chapter 9—From Liturgy to the Plays of Mystery, Miracle and Morality Part 16 Chapter 10—Shakespeare: All the World's a Stage Part 17 Chapter 11— Modern Drama: If the Stage is All the World There Is Part 18 Chapter 12—Contemporary Drama: Glimpses of the Transcendent Part 19 Chapter 13—Contemporary Theater: T.S. Eliot, The Cocktail Party Part 20 Chapter 14—Contemporary Theater: Samuel Beckett, Endgame Part 21 Chapter 15—Contemporary Theater: Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Part 22 Chapter 16—Contemporary Theater: Peter Shaffer, Equus Part 23 Chapter 17—Contemporary Theater: David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross Part 24 Chapter 18—Contemporary Theater: Tony Kushner Angels in America Part 25 Chapter 19—Contemporary Theater: Mary Zimmerman, Metamorphoses Part 26 Coda—Life is a Drama!
