Humanities & Social Sciences
March 2017
Acts of supremacy
by Richard Cave, Brendan Gregory, Michael Pickering, J. Bratton
At the height of the British Empire's fortunes, the stage represented the most influential form of popular entertainment. Acts of supremacy looks at the way in which this medium was utilised to mould popular concepts of empire and nationhood and the authors convey the significance of all levels of entertainment in shaping English identity and perception of other ethnic groups. The authors go beyond the traditional interpretation of politicians' blatant inculcation of patriotic fervour through plays and jingoistic songs. Additionally, they reveal the complex cultural negotiations that gave ordinary people a sense of their part in the imperial structure. Focusing upon minstrel shows, melodramas, comic routines and songs, the book shows that the public were encouraged to identify themselves with and to internalise the qualities required for empire builders and natural leaders. It concludes that the average British man, whatever his class or country, could come to think of himself as a member of a superior race fit to rule the world. Only Irish drama of the period significantly challenged this pattern. Acts of supremacy should be of interest to students of drama and cultural history as well as social and political historians.
