Staging Stigma: A Critical Examination of the American Freak Show (Palgrave Studies in Theatre and Performance History)

Staging Stigma critically examines the freak show performance tradition, using meticulous historical research and cultural criticism to change the way we understand both performance and disability in America

Staging Stigma is a captivating excursion into the bizarre world of the American freak show. Chemers critically examines several key moments of a performance tradition in which the truth is often stranger than the fiction. Grounded in meticulous historical research and cultural criticism, Chemers’ analysis reveals untold stories of freaks that will change the way we understand both performance and disability in America. This book is a must-have for serious students of freakery or anyone who is curious about the hidden side of American theatrical history.

Staging Stigma is a captivating excursion into the bizarre world of the American freak show. Chemers critically examines several key moments of a performance tradition in which the truth is often stranger than fiction. Grounded in meticulous historical research and cultural criticism, Chemers' analysis reveals untold stories of freaks that will change the way we understand both performance and disability in America. --back cover Front Matter....Pages i-xiv Introduction: The Ugly Word....Pages 1-9 Staging Stigma....Pages 11-26 Prurience and Propriety....Pages 27-55 Enlightenment and Wonder....Pages 57-83 Pathology and Prodigy....Pages 85-101 Exploitation and Transgression....Pages 103-130 Conclusion: God’s Own Artwork....Pages 131-139 Back Matter....Pages 141-168