Performance, Nation and Globalization: Modern Irish Drama and its International Contexts

Participants:

Dr Patrick Lonergan

Funded by:

IRCHSS

Details:

This project proposes a new approach to the study of drama in an international context. It argues that when Irish theatre travels abroad, it becomes part of a system of national ‘performances’ that enact ideas about nation before a global audience. Those performances include state-sponsored activities such as nation-branding and tourism development, and cultural activities like sport and traditional music. These activities should not be seen not as self-contained representations of Irishness, but as interlinking and (sometimes) mutually-reinforcing performances of Irishness.

The project develops models for understanding and historicising these performance, and maps and theorises the systemic relationship between them.