"From Shakespearean blackface to the alt-rights khaki-clad protests, Clothed Villainy: Acting White in Renaissance Drama by Jamie Paris delves into the uncomfortable truths of racial performance. This book argues that whiteness is not merely a fixed characteristic but a precarious and performative construct-created, codified, and maintained through actions, appearances, and cultural scripts. These performances of whiteness are rooted in centuries-old theatrical traditions, which Paris shows by examining the costuming and construction of white actors playing Black villains on the early modern stage. Blending critical race theory, performance studies, and Indigenous scholarship, the author explores how racial scripts-whether "playing Black," "playing Indian," and especially "playing white"-have been used to enforce white supremacy, erase marginalized identities, and consolidate power. At the heart of this analysis lies a call for a more inclusive and imaginative future where racial identities can be performed in ways that dismantle oppressive structures rather than reinforce them. Written with bold clarity and personal insight, Clothed Villainy challenges readers to confront their assumptions about race, history, and identity. This is a book for scholars, students, and anyone seeking to understand the deeply entrenched performance of race in our society-and how we might reimagine it for a more equitable world"-- Provided by publisher."Examines how centuries-old stagecraft shaped modern racial politics-and why the performance of whiteness still commands the spotlight.

From Shakespearean blackface to the alt-rights khaki-clad protests, Clothed Villainy: Acting White in in Early Modern Drama by Jamie Paris confronts the uncomfortable truths of racial performance across centuries. Paris argues that whiteness is not a fixed identity but a precarious and performative construct-shaped and sustained through actions, appearances, and cultural scripts. Drawing on critical race theory, performance studies, and Indigenous scholarship, Clothed Villainy traces how racial scripts-whether "playing Black," "playing Indian," or especially "playing white"-have been used to uphold white supremacy and erase marginalized identities. By examining the costuming and characterization of white actors portraying Black villains on the early modern stage, Paris reveals how these theatrical traditions continue to echo in contemporary racial politics. Written with bold clarity and personal insight, this book opens space for reimagining race, history, and identity through a more critical and inclusive lens. Clothed Villainy is essential reading for scholars, students, and anyone seeking to understand the deep-rooted performance of race in society and how we might reimagine it for a more equitable future"-- Provided by publisher.