Paolo Puppa

Paola Toninato

Alessandra De Martino

Differences on Stage is a collection of twelve original essays by leading international theatre critics and scholars, which aims to address the relationship between theatre and the development of political awareness through the voice of subaltern people. The book is enriched by the contributions of some of the most engaged protagonists of the stage, who, in their capacity as authors, players and directors, denounce prejudice and conformism whilst allowing the marginalized sections of society to speak out. An authoritative overview of the theatre of differences, this book offers a key interpretation of contemporary society and underscores that, although theatre no longer holds a central position in our multi-media society, the theatre of marginalized spaces ironically becomes central again and regains its role as the brain and lungs of the community. Differences on Stage covers a variety of topics across a multi-cultural and geographical spectrum, and its contributions present previously unexplored connections between the discourses of theatre and anthropological, cultural and translation studies, offering new critical readings, and drawing on recent theoretical frameworks.

Differences on Stage

The Roma (commonly known as "Gypsies") have largely been depicted in writings and in popular culture as an illiterate group. However, as Romani Writing shows, the Roma have a deep understanding of literacy and its implications, and use writing for a range of different purposes. While some Romani writers adopt an "oral" use of the written medium, which aims at opposing and deconstructing anti-Gypsy stereotypes, other Romani authors use writing for purposes of identity-building. Writing is for Romani activists and intellectuals a key factor in establishing a shared identity and introducing a common language that transcends linguistic and geographical boundaries between different Romani groups. Romani authors, acting in-between different cultures and communication systems, regard writing as an act of cultural mediation through which they are able to rewrite Gypsy images and negotiate their identity while retaining their ethnic specificity. Indeed, Romani Writing demonstrates how Romani authors have started to create self-images in which the Roma are no longer portrayed as "objects", but become "subjects" of written representation.

Paola Toninato

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