Revisiting and Reimagining the Works of J.R.R. Tolkien ed. Ana Kechan , 2022
This paper argues that ‘Leaf by Niggle’ is a kind of double allegory: a Christian allegory of a t... more This paper argues that ‘Leaf by Niggle’ is a kind of double allegory: a Christian allegory of a type similar to several mediaeval texts, and a personal allegory revealing much of Tolkien’s own beliefs, desires and fears. These two allegories interact in complex ways but I will argue that what emerges from this complex inter-relation will tell us a great deal about Tolkien’s approach to his art and his extraordinary vision of grace. The paper will proceed in two stages first examining the role of the artist depicted in ‘Leaf by Niggle’ and then what the tale tells us of the importance of art itself. We will discover that both of these concerns are ultimately shaped by Tolkien’s theology. Along the way we will draw upon Tolkien’s Letters, ‘On Fairy Stories’ and ‘Mythopoeia’ in particular to gain a deeper insight into the large ramifications of this deceptively big little story.
What happens when critics seem to misread a production? This paper examines the reviews of Peter ... more What happens when critics seem to misread a production? This paper examines the reviews of Peter Brook's 1955 production of Titus Andronicus by Evelyn Waugh and Kenneth Tynan. It explores the preconceptions of the play prior to that seminal production and also ways in which the 1955 Titus might have been somewhat misunderstood by the critical consensus.
A consideration of authenticity and adaptation with regards to Hamlet, paying particular attentio... more A consideration of authenticity and adaptation with regards to Hamlet, paying particular attention to 'The Bad Sleep Well' by Akira Kurosawa. The paper argues that in the case of Hamlet we have a piece of work whose content exists across multiple forms, exceeding them all -rendering it remarkably suited for adaptation.
Following the 'turn to religion,' thinkers in a whole host of subjects across the humanities have... more Following the 'turn to religion,' thinkers in a whole host of subjects across the humanities have been finding God to be significantly less 'dead' than Nietzsche led us all to expect. What does this mean for contemporary staging praxis of Shakespeare's most spiritually provocative play?
This is a piece of experimental criticism using a more experiential and personal lens than normal... more This is a piece of experimental criticism using a more experiential and personal lens than normal with which to interrogate Macbeth.
Revisiting and Reimagining the Works of J.R.R. Tolkien ed. Ana Kechan , 2022
This paper argues that ‘Leaf by Niggle’ is a kind of double allegory: a Christian allegory of a t... more This paper argues that ‘Leaf by Niggle’ is a kind of double allegory: a Christian allegory of a type similar to several mediaeval texts, and a personal allegory revealing much of Tolkien’s own beliefs, desires and fears. These two allegories interact in complex ways but I will argue that what emerges from this complex inter-relation will tell us a great deal about Tolkien’s approach to his art and his extraordinary vision of grace. The paper will proceed in two stages first examining the role of the artist depicted in ‘Leaf by Niggle’ and then what the tale tells us of the importance of art itself. We will discover that both of these concerns are ultimately shaped by Tolkien’s theology. Along the way we will draw upon Tolkien’s Letters, ‘On Fairy Stories’ and ‘Mythopoeia’ in particular to gain a deeper insight into the large ramifications of this deceptively big little story.
What happens when critics seem to misread a production? This paper examines the reviews of Peter ... more What happens when critics seem to misread a production? This paper examines the reviews of Peter Brook's 1955 production of Titus Andronicus by Evelyn Waugh and Kenneth Tynan. It explores the preconceptions of the play prior to that seminal production and also ways in which the 1955 Titus might have been somewhat misunderstood by the critical consensus.
A consideration of authenticity and adaptation with regards to Hamlet, paying particular attentio... more A consideration of authenticity and adaptation with regards to Hamlet, paying particular attention to 'The Bad Sleep Well' by Akira Kurosawa. The paper argues that in the case of Hamlet we have a piece of work whose content exists across multiple forms, exceeding them all -rendering it remarkably suited for adaptation.
Following the 'turn to religion,' thinkers in a whole host of subjects across the humanities have... more Following the 'turn to religion,' thinkers in a whole host of subjects across the humanities have been finding God to be significantly less 'dead' than Nietzsche led us all to expect. What does this mean for contemporary staging praxis of Shakespeare's most spiritually provocative play?
This is a piece of experimental criticism using a more experiential and personal lens than normal... more This is a piece of experimental criticism using a more experiential and personal lens than normal with which to interrogate Macbeth.
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Papers by Rich Hasnip
The paper will proceed in two stages first examining the role of the artist depicted in ‘Leaf by Niggle’ and then what the tale tells us of the importance of art itself. We will discover that both of these concerns are ultimately shaped by Tolkien’s theology. Along the way we will draw upon Tolkien’s Letters, ‘On Fairy Stories’ and ‘Mythopoeia’ in particular to gain a deeper insight into the large ramifications of this deceptively big little story.
The paper will proceed in two stages first examining the role of the artist depicted in ‘Leaf by Niggle’ and then what the tale tells us of the importance of art itself. We will discover that both of these concerns are ultimately shaped by Tolkien’s theology. Along the way we will draw upon Tolkien’s Letters, ‘On Fairy Stories’ and ‘Mythopoeia’ in particular to gain a deeper insight into the large ramifications of this deceptively big little story.