Californios, Anglos, and the performance of oligarchy in the U.S. West : how the first generation of Mexican Americans fashioned a new nation

In Californios, Anglos, and the Performance of Oligarchy in the U.S. West, author Andrew Gibb argues that the mid-nineteenth-century encounter between Anglos and californios— the Spanish-speaking elites who ruled Mexican California between 1821 and 1848—resulted not only in the Americanization of California but also the “Mexicanization” of Americans. Employing performance studies methodologies in his analysis of everyday and historical events, Gibb traces how oligarchy evolved and developed in the region. This interdisciplinary study draws on performance studies, theatre historiography, and New Western History to identify how the unique power relations of historical California were constituted and perpetuated through public performances—not only traditional theatrical productions but also social events such as elite weddings and community dances—and historical events like the U.S. seizure of the city of Monterey, the feting of Commodore Stockton in San Francisco, and the Bear Flag Revolt. This Interdisciplinary Study, Drawing From Performance Studies, Theatre Historiography, And New Western History, Considers The Social Organization Of Mexican California And Identifies How Characteristic Oligarchic Power Relations Were Not Only The Result Of Unique Historical Conditions But Were Also Constituted And Perpetuated Through Performance-- Dramaturgical Notes 1 -- Curtain Raiser -- The Angels -- Collaborations -- A Question Of Casting -- Dress Rehearsal. Andrew Gibb. Subtitle Taken From Cover. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "This interdisciplinary study, drawing from performance studies, theatre historiography, and New Western History, considers the social organization of Mexican California and identifies how characteristic oligarchic power relations were not only the result of unique historical conditions but were also constituted and perpetuated through performance"-- Provided by publisher