Call for Papers: John Rich and the 18th-Century London Stage

[vanessa rogers]

John Rich and the Eighteenth-Century London Stage:
Commerce, Magic and Management, 25-27 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, his contributions to high-style music,
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 for formal sessions should last no more than
thirty minutes.  The conference also welcomes
20-minute papers for panel discussions, and 10-minute
position papers for roundtable discussions. Candidates
may apply jointly as constituted panels, or
individuals may submit abstracts indicating their wish
to participate in panels or roundtables proposed on
the website.  

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




 
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