"This is the first extended study I know of what the author calls a "Holocaust performative," . . . .[The author] asks what a "holocaust performative" might look like and how such a study might illuminate "events of this particular genocide that are unrepresentable and outside the parameters of representation itself" . . . .[Patraka] contributes an important and possibly contentious dimension to Holocaust studies." -James Young

"Theater, always a medium of fragile bodies and intractable ideologies, meets its biggest challenge in the Holocaust. How represent the unrepresentable? Vivian Patraka brings postmodern paradoxes into the heart of Holocaust meanings. A superb critic of drama, Patraka analyzes a wide range of recent plays, helping us to decode fascism's insidious mutations even in the most earnest theatrical exposes. Richly researched, feelingly written Spectacular Suffering: Theatre, Fascism, and the Holocaust brings performance theory, feminism, history, and Jewish cultural studies into unique dialogue. There is material here to fill several course syllabi. A wonderful and important book."-Elin Diamond, Rutgers University

Spectacular Suffering: Theatre, Fascism and the Holocaust considers how we remember historical instances of suffering and atrocity, framing its central questions to reflect larger cultural shifts in how we position ourselves in relation to history, performance, and memory.

Explores representations of the Holocaust in theater, films and museums.

About the Author

Vivian M. Patraka is Professor of English and Theatre and Director of the Institute for the Study of Culture and Society at Bowling Green State University. She has written numerous essays about Holocaust theatre, performance, and museums.

Reviews
"This is the first extended study I know of what the author calls a 'Holocaust performative'...[The author] asks what a 'holocaust performative' might look like and how such a study might illuminate 'events of this particular genocide that are unrepresentable and outside the parameters of representation itself' ...[Patraka] contributes an important and possibly contentious dimension to Holocaust studies." -- James Young



Book Information
ISBN 9780253212924
Author Vivian Patraka
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 1061g