New historicist reading of Marat/Sade

by Santandrea, Maya.

Bradford Clark, Advisor As a play that both spoke to its time and can potentially gain new significance as a reflection of contemporary American society, The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton under the Direction of the Marquis de Sade is the subject of this study. Renowned for its striking imagery, evocative and provocative themes, and popularized through Peter Brook’s innovative production techniques, Peter Weiss’s monumental play attained particular relevance in light of America’s political climate during the mid- to late 1960s. Using New Historicism as a theoretical lens, this study explores the play’s representation in and critical reception to its premiere in London of 1964 and New York of 1965, respectively. iv For D.V.W.: I never would have made it without your unconditional love and support. And for Doug “D.J.” Jenkins: Thanks for always believing that I had the brains and the talent to do this. v