Scholar examines comedy, from the ancient Greeks to the present, through recurring elements and themes: the physical body, marriage, pain,…
the humdrum of existence, death. Discusses the idea that comedy and tragedy are not true opposites; comedy presupposes rather than precludes tragedy. 2013.
Professor of comparative literature offers a broad overview of the evolution and varieties of theatrical performance, from origins in ancient…
Egypt, Greece, and Rome; to classical India and China; to medieval England and Japan; and to contemporary America and Europe. Explores complex association of dramatic performance and religion. 2014
Professor of early modern history explores the origins and history of witchcraft, from prehistory to present day paganism and popular…
media, asking why it still features so heavily in our culture. Considers the classic period (1500-1900) of witchcraft trials and witch-hunting, including the infamous Salem panic of 1692. 2010