Ritual and performativity : the chorus in old comedy
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Ritual and performativity : the chorus in old comedy
（Hellenic studies, 20）
Center for Hellenic Studies, Trustees for Harvard University , Distributed by Harvard University Press, 2009
New and rev. ed
- : pbk
- Other Title
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Chor in der alten Komödie
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Note
Translation of: Chor in der alten Komödie
Originally presented as the author's thesis (Habilitationsschrift)--Universität Leipzig, 1998
Bibliography: p. 341-379
Includes indexes
Description and Table of Contents
Description
In this groundbreaking study, Anton Bierl uses recent approaches in literary and cultural studies to investigate the chorus of Old Comedy. After an extensive theoretical introduction that also serves as a general introduction to the dramatic chorus from the comic vantage point, a close reading of Aristophanes' Thesmophoriazusae shows that ritual is indeed present in both the micro- and macrostructure of Attic comedy, not as a fossilized remnant of the origins of the genre but as part of a still existing performative choral culture. The chorus members do play a role within the dramatic plot, but they simultaneously refer to their own performance in the here and now and to their function as participants in a ritual. Bierl's investigation also includes an unparalleled treatment of the phallic songs preserved by Semos.
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