The Physiognomical Discourse and European Theatre - Theory, Performance, Dramatic Text

The discourse on Physiognomy had an important influence and impact on European theatrical culture at the end of the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth centuries. The book discusses the debate about the scientific nature of Physiognomy. Starting from the concept that Physiognomy refers to particular signs on the face, it looks for evidence of a knowledge and awareness of this pseudo-scientific theory. The author researches among various acting manuals and theatrical works in English, German, French and Italian. She points out that Physiognomy makes an appearance in many different guises. In the so-called «physiognomical portraits», for instance, where we find animated discussions on the passions to be displayed, and also direct references to Johann Caspar Lavater and his science.

List of contents

Physiognomy - Pathognomy - Johann Caspar Lavater - Acting manuals - Display of passions - Inner beauty-outer beauty - Facial expression - Signs in the face - Tableaux vivants - Character description

About the author

Maria-Christina Mur studied History and Comparative Literature at the University of Vienna, and holds a PhD in European literature from the University of Bologna. Her main research focus is literature and its relation to (pseudo)-scientific theories of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Product details

• Authors: Maria-Christina Mur
• Publisher: Peter Lang
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.06.2017
• EAN: 9783631727140
• ISBN: 978-3-631-72714-0
• No. of pages: 328
• Dimensions: 148 mm x 26 mm x 210 mm
• Weight: 530 g
• Series: Interkulturelle Begegnungen. Studien zum Literatur- und Kulturtransfer; Interkulturelle Begegnungen. Studien zum Literatur- und Kulturtransfer
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > Art > Theatre, ballet