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Research Group Call

The research group in National Culture / National Identity seeks to understand the complex relationship between culture and national identity as both a historical and a present-day inquiry. In any transformation of national power, either due to political upheaval or military victory/defeat, the celebration of national cultural traditions is used to artificially construct a national culture which in turn establishes and/or reinforces national identity. Often, these celebrations include a reconnection with a glorious national past, whether real or imagined, that defines a high-point in the history of that nation. Likewise culture can also be used as an alternative to the dominant national power. Dramatic action functions better as a question than an answer.

This research group focuses on the interplay between culture and national identity as a way of investigating the effects of the theater as both a legitimizing and a challenging art form. Among the questions to be addressed are:

  • Does culture support or expose political power? What are its methods and historical applications?
  • Is theater the proper medium for the supporting a national/cultural identity?
  • Is culture, specifically theater, more often a support or challenge to established political power?
  • Should one constitute national identity given the complexity of identity itself?
  • Should we promote the formation / institution of the National Theater given the problems of location, funding and national vs. international perspectives?
  • Given that the genesis of national culture formation often follows violent political upheaval, is National identity a response to trauma?
  • What is the genre of national identity? - tragedy? Comedy? Farce? Agitprop?

How does religion figure into national culture and how is it reflected specifically in the theater?Individuals interested in joining the National Culture / National Identity research group should send a brief proposal documenting your area(s) of research and interest / expertise in this topic. Membership will be selective and participants should commit to attending the Annual ASTR Conference in 2003 and beyond. Send your proposals by August 15th via email to Timothy Scholl twscholl@earthlink.net and Simon Williams simonwilliams@cox.net. The National Culture / National Identity research group will meet on Thursday November 20th at the 2003 ASTR Conference in Durham, NC