Call for Papers
Baylor Journal of Theatre and Performance
Volume 2.2, Fall 2005
"Comedy and the Spirit"

An old cliché says that laughter is good for the soul. The Baylor Journal of Theatre and Performance seeks submissions for its upcoming issue dedicated to the topic of performance and spiritual considerations of comedy. Religious rituals have often contained comic elements that serve diverse social and emotional purposes; conversely, staged performances often use comedy to explore spiritual themes. How do these activities help negotiate the place of religion in culture? How do matters of spiritual faith, philosophy, and practice permeate the dramatic stage? We are especially interested in articles that address comic performance related to a variety of faith/spiritual traditions from around the world. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

* Unruly performances that create space for ordinarily taboo behavior-carnivale, feast days, Mardi Gras
* Plays that challenge religious authority, or satirize perceived religious/church hypocrisy or abuse of power
* Ritual performances and/or plays that use humor to evangelize, encourage adherence to devotional practices, or serve other instructive purposes
* The use of humor to work out problems of faith, within a dramatic framework
* The role of comedy in the theatre of Ancient Greece, Medieval Europe, Siglo de Oro Spain, or any other historical moment/culture where the religious establishment played a significant role in dramatic production
* The bailes religiosas of Latin America, or other paratheatrical performances that express religious piety or fervor and contain some element of the comic or grotesque

The journal seeks scholarly articles, book and performance reviews, and interviews related to the featured topic. These can be submitted in electronic format only to the editor Carolyn Roark at Carolyn_Roark_at_baylor.edu. Inquiries regarding submission and subscription may be directed to the editor, and additional information, including submission guidelines and a style sheet, may be found at www.baylor.edu/bjtp.

Deadline for Submission is March 15, 2005.

Carolyn D. Roark, PhD
 
Editor, Baylor Journal of Theatre and Performance
Dept. of Theatre Arts
One Bear Place, Box 97262
Waco, Tx 76798-7262
(254)710-6452
Carolyn_Roark_at_baylor.edu

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Received on Tue Jan 25 2005 - 23:42:56 EST