[AMS-announce] CFP: John Rich and the Eighteenth-Century London Stage, London, Jan 2008

[ams-announce-admin at list.bowdoin.edu]

John Rich and the Eighteenth-Century London Stage: Commerce, Magic and Management, 26-27 January 2008   
  An Interdisciplinary Conference to be held at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, UK.    www.johnrich2008.com   
  Deadline for abstracts: 30 September 2007.  Notice of acceptance: 14 Oct 2007
   
  Keynote speaker: Robert D. Hume
   
  The impact of John Rich (1692-1761) on London?s theatrical industry was profound. This conference will explore his legacy as performer, manager and author, viewing his contributions in the context of London?s burgeoning entertainment industry. The conference will culminate in a private viewing of the renowned theatrical portrait collection housed at the Garrick Club. The published proceedings will constitute the first modern monograph on John Rich.
   
  To reflect the interdisciplinary nature and commercial drive of Rich?s activities, the conference invites papers by scholars exploring eighteenth-century dance, music and drama from a range of historical and methodological perspectives. Investigations into Rich?s own activities ? such as his championing of pantomime, opera, oratorio and afterpieces, his use of the body in performance, his managerial innovations and his collaboration with Handel ? are particularly encouraged. Studies on topics relating to Rich, such as the stage traditions and practices informing his productions, eighteenth-century promotional strategies, changes to performance spaces and the mingling of high- and low-style entertainments, will also be welcome.  Session themes currently under consideration are listed on the conference web site www.johnrich2008.com.
   
  Papers should last no more than thirty minutes. Abstracts of up to 500 words should be sent to: info at johnrich2008.com. Electronic submissions are preferred, though surface mail may be posted to Dr. Berta Joncus, St. Catherine?s College, Manor Road, Oxford OX1 3UJ, U.K. 
   
  Awards and travel subsidies for delegates, particularly for students, will be posted on the web site as these funds become available. The conference proceedings will be published with the generous support of the Dolmetsch Historical Dance Society. 
   
  For further details about the conference, please see:  www.johnrich2008.com .