REBED

The Representation of the 'Exotic' Body in 19th-Century English Drama

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'REBED aims at a mapping of the presence of the 'exotic' body, that is, the cultural and physical body of the non-European Other, in 19th-century English drama, with specific attention to melodramas, farces, burlesques, pantomimes and extravaganzas. REBED aims in particular to investigate what practices and devices are employed to represent the ‘exotic’ body, to what extent the cultural, political and scientific discourses of the British Empire have influenced the dramatic representation of the ‘exotic’ body, and whether 19th-century drama was a major conveyor of racial and political values. In addressing these questions, the project ultimately aims to verify whether 19th-century English drama contributed to the forging of a politically-oriented perception of the non-European Other, and, if so, how. It will thus provide a model for further investigation on other areas, centuries and/or genres that may be of use for the framing of contemporary perceptions of non-European minorities in Europe. Although the general frame for the project is that of Drama and Literary Studies, REBED will also widely refer to disciplines such as Visual Studies, Anthropology and History of Science. In previous work, the researcher focused on 20th-century drama in English both from Great Britain and its colonies, as well as on the cultural and political (but not literary) background of 19th-century England. This project will allow the researcher to extend her expertise, as well as to develop a full interdisciplinary approach. The opportunity to work in a highly international context, to profit from specialized archives and the expertise of renowned experts, as well as to be able to develop complementary skills such as the management of dissemination and outreach events, will help the researcher strengthen her position within the academic community both in the medium and in the long term.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The staging of non-European peoples and cultures is examined in an effort to better understand the political impact of the dramatic representation of the 'exotic' body during the British Empire.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

An exotic cultural and physical body of a non-European 'other' in 19thcentury English drama was present in melodramas, farces, burlesques, pantomimes and extravaganzas. The EU-funded project 'The representation of the 'exotic' body in 19th-century English drama' (REBED) examined the practices and devices used for representing the exotic body. It delved into the extent of cultural, political and scientific discourse used during the British Empire and the ways it influenced the dramatic representation of the exotic body.

The project mainly aimed at determining if and how 19th century English drama contributed to creating a politically oriented perception of the non-European other. The Lord Chamberlain's Plays collection served as a main source, as did the Harvard Theatre Collection, the Pettingell Collection at Kent, the National Fairground Archive at Sheffield, the John Johnson Collection at Oxford and several others. All are essential for the completion of an initial list of plays that deal with the exotic body from the years 1800-1900.

Project phases were discussed with scientists as well as with people from the universities working in the same area of interest. Exchanges took place with scholars and students at seminars. The work shows that the exotic body can be seen in a category all its own and not only as a subgenre of 19th century English drama.

The results provide a model for further investigation in other areas, periods and/or genres that can help frame contemporary perceptions of non-European minorities in Europe.