Monstrous Utopias

Monstrous Utopias builds on the growing discourse surrounding the figure of the monster in performance, theatre, media and literature, to reflect on the ways in which such figures can reflect and subvert understandings of society.

This volume considers the ethical and hopeful work of monsters and examines ways in which playwrights, theatre and performance artists, film artists, drag artists, dancers, cultural practitioners and activists have engaged the monster to reflect the ongoing fears (including racist, sexist, homophobic, and others) within society and how they might offer a radical sense of hope. Providing perspectives by top scholars in the field, Monstrous Utopias interrogates the ways in which the figure of the monster can be used in performance as a hopeful figure. This is a global and exploratory collection that offers meaningful insights into the ways in which the figure of the monster can be used to radically envisage utopias and provide moments of hope to audiences, curated by Michael Mark Chemers and Analola Santana, two leaders in the field of monster studies.

These essays are essential reading for Theatre and Performance students of all levels as well as scholars. It will also be an enlightening text for those interested in monstrosity and Cultural Studies more broadly.