Theatre Scandals: Social Dynamics of Turbulent Theatrical Events

Since the beginning of theatre history, scandals have taken place and the variety of causes, processes and types of interactions makes them an interesting object of study. Theatre scandals often indicate clashes with a dominant ideology or with the ideology of a particular group in society. Sometimes, following a scandal, the attacked ideology changes and incorporates the possibility of the aesthetics or themes that caused the clash. In this way, scandals can cause dynamic changes within cultural systems.
Next to theoretical considerations the contributors, all members of the IFTR Theatrical Event Working Group, present in their various case studies a wide cultural and chronological diversity of theatre scandals, all of which were experienced as very shocking moments in theatre history.

Vicki Ann Cremona, Docteur ès Lettres (1980), Université de Provence, is Professor of Theatre Studies at the University of Malta. She has published on public celebration, including Carnival and Power. Play and Politics in a Crown Colony (2018).

Peter Eversmann, Ph.D. (1996), University of Amsterdam, is Associate Professor of Theatre Studies at that university. He has published on theatre history and on the psychology of the spectator, including The Experience of the Theatrical Event (2004).

Bess Rowen, Ph.D. (2018), Villanova University, is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre. She has published articles and interviews on twentieth- and twenty-first-century theatre in the United States. She has a forthcoming monograph on her concept of affective stage directions.

Anneli Saro, Ph.D. (2004), University of Tartu, is Professor of Theatre Research at that university. She has published on Estonian theatre history and system, on poetics of playing and reception research.

Henri Schoenmakers, Ph.D. 1983 University of Antwerpen, was Professor of Theatre Studies (Utrecht University, 1984-2005) and of Theatre and Media Studies (University of Erlangen, 2000-2007, and Roosevelt Academy of Utrecht University, 2008-2013). He has published on the theory and reception of theatre and media, e.g. Theater und Medien / Theatre and the Media: Grundlagen - Analysen - Perspektiven (2008).