The Language of Space in Court Performance, 1400–1625

Using a set of detailed case studies, this book analyses medieval and early modern court culture as inherently performative.

Janette Dillon (Author)

9781316505328, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 December 2015

280 pages, 28 b/w illus.
23 x 15.3 x 1.5 cm, 0.42 kg

'Using a range of evidence found in both texts and pictures, The Language of Space develops a theoretical vocabulary from disciplines as disparate as dance and architecture, creating a new language with which to discuss space in court performance, public spectacle, and early modern theatre.' Hannah Leah Crummé, Notes and Queries

Where was the chair of Mary Queen of Scots placed for her trial? How was Smithfield set up for public executions? How many paces did the King walk forward to meet a visiting ambassador in the Presence Chamber at Greenwich? How were spectators arranged at tournaments? And why did any of this matter? Janette Dillon adds a new dimension to work on space and theatricality by providing a comparative analysis of a range of spectacular historical events. She investigates in detail the claim that early modern court culture was always inherently performative, demonstrating how every kind of performance was shaped by its own space and place. Using a range of evidence, visual as well as verbal, and illustrated with some unfamiliar as well as better known images, Dillon leads the reader to general principles and conclusions via a range of minutely observed case studies.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Royal entries and coronations
3. Royal progress
4. Meetings with ambassadors
5. Court revels
6. Tournaments
7. Trials
8. Executions
Works cited.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB], Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], Shakespeare studies & criticism [DSGS], Literary studies: plays & playwrights [DSG], Literary studies: c 1500 to c 1800 [DSBD]