MODERN DRAMA

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Depths of Contemporary Theatre

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding MODERN DRAMA, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0026-7694
PublisherUNIV TORONTO PRESS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryCanada
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2002 to 2024
AbbreviationMOD DRAMA / Mod. Drama
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS DIVISION, 5201 DUFFERIN ST, DOWNSVIEW, TORONTO, ON M3H 5T8, CANADA

Aims and Scopes

MODERN DRAMA focuses on the exploration of contemporary theatrical practices and their intersections with social, political, and cultural issues. The journal aims to advance scholarship in the field of drama by examining the evolving nature of performance and its implications for society.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Drama:
    The journal emphasizes the integration of various academic disciplines, including literature, sociology, and cultural studies, to provide a comprehensive understanding of dramatic texts and performances.
  2. Focus on Marginalized Voices:
    MODERN DRAMA prioritizes the representation of underrepresented groups in theatre, addressing themes related to race, gender, sexuality, and colonial histories, thus enriching the discourse surrounding contemporary performance.
  3. Historical Contextualization:
    Many articles delve into the historical evolution of theatrical practices, providing context for contemporary works and exploring the legacies of past playwrights and movements.
  4. Innovative Performance Practices:
    The journal highlights novel forms of performance, such as verbatim theatre, eco-dramaturgy, and interactive or site-specific works, reflecting on how these practices challenge traditional theatrical conventions.
  5. Theatrical Aesthetics and Political Commentary:
    A significant focus is placed on the relationship between theatre and political discourse, with analyses of how performances engage with contemporary social issues and critique power structures.
Recent publications in MODERN DRAMA reveal a dynamic evolution of themes, reflecting contemporary societal concerns and innovative theatrical practices. The following themes are emerging as significant areas of interest.
  1. Ecological and Environmental Themes:
    There is a marked increase in works addressing ecological issues and environmental degradation through dramatic lenses, highlighting the relevance of climate change and sustainability in contemporary theatre.
  2. Postcolonial and Decolonial Perspectives:
    Emerging scholarship critically examines the impacts of colonialism and the processes of decolonization, showcasing diverse narratives and performance practices that challenge hegemonic histories.
  3. Intersectionality in Performance:
    The journal is increasingly focusing on intersectional analyses that consider how various identities (race, gender, sexuality) interact within theatrical contexts, reflecting a broader commitment to social justice.
  4. Digital and Virtual Performance:
    The rise of digital theatre and virtual performances has gained traction, with discussions on how technology transforms audience engagement and the nature of performance itself.
  5. Trauma and Memory in Theatre:
    There is an emerging trend of exploring themes of trauma, collective memory, and healing in performance, particularly in relation to historical injustices and contemporary social issues.

Declining or Waning

While MODERN DRAMA has consistently addressed a range of themes, some areas appear to be losing prominence in recent publications. This decline may reflect broader shifts in theatrical interests or changing academic priorities.
  1. Traditional Canonical Theatre:
    There is a noticeable decrease in discussions centered on traditional canonical playwrights and their works, as the journal shifts towards contemporary and diverse voices, leaving less space for the classical repertoire.
  2. Eurocentric Perspectives:
    The focus on Western-centric narratives and aesthetics is waning, with the journal increasingly prioritizing global perspectives and non-Western theatre practices, indicating a broader trend towards inclusivity.
  3. Historical Reenactments:
    The exploration of historical reenactments or period pieces in theatre is less frequent, suggesting a shift towards contemporary themes and issues that resonate more with current societal challenges.

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