The emergence of contemporary Australian and English-Canadian multicultural drama undoubtedly constitutes a fascinating development in the history of international literatures written in English. These postcolonial plays offer ideal vantage points from which to observe the struggle of two comparable Commonwealth countries to accommodate the pluralism of their social fabric. As the prominent theatre scholars of this collection cogently argue, the articulation of otherness forms a central concern in the drama of these two countries. The postcolonial playwrights studied in this book interpret marginality as an expression of resistance against the legacy of Empire, often through the weapon of subversive mimicry. The organising spatial metaphor of the book suggests new readings of the "other" as an evolving site of contestation. This volume articulates a new form of comparative poetics, in which dramatic texts are used as reflecting mirrors, as privileged tools to explore the similarity and otherness that Australia and Canada share.
«Maufort and Bellarsi have assembled a remarkable collection in 'Siting the Other'. The book cannot be skimmed: it requires serious study, but it yields rewards. The contributions relating to Canada were stimulating, and I felt richly informed by the essays on Australian drama, theatre, and cultural politics.» (James Dugan, Modern Drama)
«Maufort and Bellarsi have provided Canadian and Australian theatre studies a great benefit in assembling this collection, whose individual essays are priceless additions to contemporary theatrical and dramatic scholarship.» (Veronica Kelly, Australasian Drama Studies)
«The book will be useful for scholars and students in drama, theatre, performance and cultural studies. And with 'local' references carefully explained, it is accessible to and aimed at an international readership.» (Jen Harvie, New Theatre Quarterly)
«Maufort and Bellarsi have provided Canadian and Australian theatre studies a great benefit in assembling this collection, whose individual essays are priceless additions to contemporary theatrical and dramatic scholarship.» (Veronica Kelly, Australasian Drama Studies)
«The book will be useful for scholars and students in drama, theatre, performance and cultural studies. And with 'local' references carefully explained, it is accessible to and aimed at an international readership.» (Jen Harvie, New Theatre Quarterly)