Wiley The Anthropology of Performance: A Reader: 25 (Wiley Blackwell Anthologies in Social and Cultural Anthropology)

Product Description The Anthropology of Performance is an invaluable guide to this exciting and growing area.  This cutting-edge volume on the major advancements in performance studies presents the theories, methods, and practices of performance in cultures around the globe. Leading anthropologists describe the range of human expression through performance and explore its role in constructing identity and community, as well as broader processes such as globalization and transnationalism.Introduces new and advanced students to the task of studying and interpreting complex social, cultural, and political events from a performance perspectivePresents performance as a convergent field of inquiry that bridges the humanities and social sciences, with a distinctive cross-cultural perspective in anthropologyDemonstrates the range of human expression and meaning through performance in related fields of religious & ritual studies, folkloristics, theatre, language arts, and art & danceExplores the role of performance in constructing identity, community, and the broader processes of globalization and transnationalismIncludes fascinating global case studies on a diverse range of phenomenaContributions from leading scholars examine verbal genres, ritual and drama, public spectacle, tourism, and the performances embedded in everyday selves, communities and nations Review “This volume is a comprehensive and well-structured compilation of previously published essays, articulating how anthropology has explored diverse instances of performance . . This book will be of great use to graduate students looking to specialize in the field, or faculty members who wish to deepen their understanding of established concepts and perhaps recast their own work.”  (Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, 1 June 2015)  Review “The concept of performance burst onto the stage of anthropology through a door that the ethnography of speaking opened. Ever since, its meaning expanded, its implications deepened, and its presence in anthropology and folklore enabled insights in culture and creativity. Frank Korom’s selection represents a broad scholarly range, demonstrating its value in the analysis of historical as well as modern, oral as well as literate cultures, making us realize, all of a sudden, that it is indispensable.” - Dan Ben-Amos, University of Pennsylvania“The historical, regional, and ethnographic scope of this volume is breath-taking. By approaching their topic through speech, disguise, body expression, or material articulation, contributors invite a wide readership across all kinds of fields to engage with a timely topic in new, refreshing and penetrating ways. Frank Korom has edited a landmark publication that will inspire experts and interested laypersons for years to come.” - Andre Gingrich, Austrian Academy of Sciences “People perform who they are in the world, or who they would like to be. Humanity bursts forth from these marvelous studies as far-flung souls sing, argue, and dance their truths.” - Allen F. Roberts, University of California, Los Angeles From the Inside Flap This cutting-edge volume on the major advancements in performance studies presents the theories, methods, and practices of performance in cultures around the globe. Prominent anthropologists outline the scope of performance studies across anthropology, folklore, art and religious studies, providing an invaluable guide in this exciting and growing area.The anthology focuses on the way in which performances, broadly construed as acting aesthetically on or off stage, figure in the anthropological study of culture. Drawing on a wide range of phenomena, and employing fascinating case studies, the volume successfully demonstrates how human beings communicate with one another - both verbally and non-verbally - through the use of stylized or expressive behavior.The Anthropology of Performance has been accessibly arranged into a number of themat