East Asian Studies Workshop: Prof. Christopher Rea, "The Age of Irreverence

The East Asian Studies Workshop is pleased to announce an exciting upcoming event in the Autumn Quarter: Professor Christopher Rea from the University of British Columbia will be giving a talk on his award-winning book The Age of Irreverence: A New History of Laughter in China (University of California Press, 2015).

Here is an abstract of the talk provided by Professor Rea: China's entry in modernity was not just traumatic, but uproarious. As the Qing last dynasty fell, prominent writers compiled jokes to form collections called “histories of laughter.” In the first years of the republic, novelists, essayists, and illustrators used humorous allegories to make veiled critiques of the new government. Yet political and cultural discussion repeatedly erupted into invective, with critics gleefully jeering rivals in public. Farceurs drew followings in the popular press, promoting a culture of buffoonery. These expressions of hilarity proved so offensive to high-brow writers that they launched a campaign in the 1930s to displace old forms of mirth with a new one they called youmo(humor). What can we learn about history from those who laugh their way through it? Focusing on the case of China, this talk will discuss how political turmoil, new media, and other forces nurtured cultures of humor in a modernizing society, from the last days of empire to the digital age.

Professor Rea's talk will take place in Room 224 of the East Asia (Lathrop) Library from 4:30--5:30PM on Monday, November 13th. Dr. Indra Levy, Associate Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures and Comparative Literature, and Rao Xiao, a doctoral student in East Asian Languages and Cultures, will serve as discussants. The talk will be followed by a brief Q&A session, and dinner will be provided at the conclusion of the formal discussion (at 5:30).

Moreover, the East Asian Studies Workshop is offering the opportunity to purchase a copy of The Age of Irreverence at the subsidized price of $12. If you are interested in purchasing a copy at this price, please be sure to note your interest on the RSVP form below; those interested will be contacted by e-mail with instructions on paying for and picking up their copies.

Time: Monday, November 13th, 4:30-5:30PM
Place: East Asia (Lathrop) Library, Room 224
RSVP: Here

If you are interested in the event, please RSVP as soon as you can. We look forward to seeing you all there!