Performance and Transformation: New Approaches to Late Medieval Spirituality

xxi, 361 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm. This is a volume of essays that pushes the frontiers of interpretation on mystical and ecstatic writings of the later Middle Ages to explore them as particular performances. The contributors examine mysticism and spirituality from multiple performance perspectives. CONTENTS: Introduction: Word and Deed: A Three-Dimensional Approach to Medieval Ecstatic Texts - PART I: SPEAKING - Preaching and Prophesying: The Public Proclamation of Birgitta of Sweden's Revelations; C.L.Sahlin - Margery Kempe on Tour: A Performance Artist and Her Performance Text; N.Hopenwasser - The Exorcist as Performed and Informing: The Two Selves of Thomas of Cantimpre; R. Sweetman - PART TWO: PERFORMING - Sacred Performances: Beguine Textuality; M.Suydam - Annihilating the Annihilated Soul: Dialogues and Power in the English Translation of Marguerite Porete's Mirror; L.Finke - Ritual and Performance in Richard Rolle's Passion Meditation; B.W.Hodapp - PART THREE: DOING - Mysticism as Priesthood: Gertrude of Helfta Offers the Eucharist; L.Grimes - Mechthild of Hackeborn and Marian Devotional Liturgies; A.M.Caron - Christ-Child Effigies and Cradles: Evidence for the Performative Practices of Mother Mysticism; R.Hale - Elizabeth of Spalbeek's Trance Performance of Faith; J.Ziegler and S.Rodgers - Index. …