Ever since its rise to prominence in the 19th century, the melodramatic mode has shown itself to be extremely adaptable. Scholars have traced its evolution from the stage to the silver screen, and on to the small screen thereafter.
By focusing on a single case study, this seminar examines the way in which the addition of a comedic strand to the established melodramatic mode enhances its ability to project a radical view of social problems. Furthermore, it analyses the way in which comedy adds nuance and complexity to characterisation in a genre in which characterisation has traditionally been defined by plot. The comedic overlay written into the Japanese television serial ‘Massan’ no doubt contributed in large measure to its success. This seminar seeks to challenge the view that the serial ‘Massan’ displays a conservatism mired in Nihonjinron (a theory that asserts the distinctiveness of and, by extension, the superiority of Japanese culture). In so doing it demonstrates the work’s right to be recognised as a progressive cultural phenomenon.
This seminar will take place live on campus and live online.
