Theatrical Liberalism

Jews and Popular Entertainment in America

Nonfiction, History, Jewish, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture
Cover of the book Theatrical Liberalism by Andrea Most, NYU Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Andrea Most ISBN: 9780814759349
Publisher: NYU Press Publication: May 20, 2013
Imprint: NYU Press Language: English
Author: Andrea Most
ISBN: 9780814759349
Publisher: NYU Press
Publication: May 20, 2013
Imprint: NYU Press
Language: English

Finalist for the 2013 National Jewish Book Award, American Jewish Studies

For centuries, Jews were one of the few European cultures without any official public theatrical tradition. Yet in the modern era, Jews were among the most important creators of popular theater and film–especially in America. Why?

In Theatrical Liberalism, Andrea Most illustrates how
American Jews used the theatre and other media to navigate their encounters
with modern culture, politics, religion, and identity,
negotiating a position for themselves within and alongside Protestant American
liberalism by reimagining key aspects of traditional Judaism as
theatrical. Discussing works as diverse as the Hebrew Bible, The
Jazz Singer, and Death of a Salesman—among many others—Most situates American
popular culture in the multiple religious traditions that informed the
worldviews of its practitioners.

Offering a comprehensive history of the role of Judaism in the
creation of American entertainment, Theatrical Liberalism re-examines the distinction between the secular and the religious in both Jewish and American contexts, providing a new way of understanding Jewish liberalism and its place in a pluralist society. With extensive scholarship and compelling evidence, Theatrical Liberalism shows how the Jewish worldview that permeates American culture has reached far beyond the Jews who created it.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Finalist for the 2013 National Jewish Book Award, American Jewish Studies

For centuries, Jews were one of the few European cultures without any official public theatrical tradition. Yet in the modern era, Jews were among the most important creators of popular theater and film–especially in America. Why?

In Theatrical Liberalism, Andrea Most illustrates how
American Jews used the theatre and other media to navigate their encounters
with modern culture, politics, religion, and identity,
negotiating a position for themselves within and alongside Protestant American
liberalism by reimagining key aspects of traditional Judaism as
theatrical. Discussing works as diverse as the Hebrew Bible, The
Jazz Singer, and Death of a Salesman—among many others—Most situates American
popular culture in the multiple religious traditions that informed the
worldviews of its practitioners.

Offering a comprehensive history of the role of Judaism in the
creation of American entertainment, Theatrical Liberalism re-examines the distinction between the secular and the religious in both Jewish and American contexts, providing a new way of understanding Jewish liberalism and its place in a pluralist society. With extensive scholarship and compelling evidence, Theatrical Liberalism shows how the Jewish worldview that permeates American culture has reached far beyond the Jews who created it.

More books from NYU Press

Cover of the book The Gender Trap by Andrea Most
Cover of the book Liars! Cheaters! Evildoers! by Andrea Most
Cover of the book The Post-Secular in Question by Andrea Most
Cover of the book What Works for Women at Work: A Workbook by Andrea Most
Cover of the book This Year's Model by Andrea Most
Cover of the book The Terrorist Identity by Andrea Most
Cover of the book Employment of English by Andrea Most
Cover of the book Dear Dr. Spock by Andrea Most
Cover of the book Fugitive Science by Andrea Most
Cover of the book China, The United States, and the Future of Southeast Asia by Andrea Most
Cover of the book Thurman Arnold by Andrea Most
Cover of the book Consorts of the Caliphs by Andrea Most
Cover of the book Was Blind, But Now I See by Andrea Most
Cover of the book They're All My Children by Andrea Most
Cover of the book Leg over Leg by Andrea Most
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy