City Research Online

Abstract

This article explores the notion of ‘integrity’ under copyright law by analysing examples of 'integrity-based objections' in the field of theatre. These objections typically involve playwrights objecting to changes being made to their copyright works by other parties, such as directors and actors. This analysis is deepened by the use of two concepts from the field of art theory – ‘aura’, as put forward by Walter Benjamin, and ‘trajectory’, as outlined by Bruno Latour and Adam Lowe. Finally, to shed further light on the issues raised, the work of Pierre Bourdieu is used to present new empirical research recently undertaken by the author in the field of UK theatre. This research demonstrates that ‘power struggles’ are a common feature of theatrical collaboration; that copyright is deeply implicated in the way such power struggles are conceived; and moreover, that resolving these power struggles successfully – including taking account of ‘integrity-based objections’ – is crucial to theatrical practice.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: McDonagh, L. (2014), Plays, Performances and Power Struggles – Examining Copyright's ‘Integrity’ in the Field of Theatre. The Modern Law Review, 77: 533–562, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1468-2230.12078. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.
Subjects:	K Law > K Law (General) P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN2000 Dramatic representation. The Theater
Departments:	The City Law School > Academic Programmes
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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