Dramatics as analogical engagement

: Balthasar and performance studies in dialogue

Abstract

This thesis maintains that analogy constitutes the fundamental principle of Balthasar’s approach to dramatics, and explores its potential contribution to performance studies. It seeks to demonstrate the relevance and applicability of his approach to dramatics, rather than merely employing theatrical and performance studies to advance or construct theological doctrines. In dialogue with performance studies, this thesis examines Balthasar’s idea of analogy and assesses its applicability through textual analysis. Chapter One establishes the groundwork for this dialogue by introducing performance studies, exploring its alignment with Balthasar’s dramatic, and analyzing the significance of analogy. Chapter Two defines Balthasar’s concept of analogy and offers a critically constructive analysis by addressing its limitations and examining his analogical view of dramatic soteriology. The next two chapters elaborate on the foundational notion of drama as enactive representation, and situate the discussion within Balthasar’s framework of dramatic soteriology. Chapter Three observes the complexity and pervasiveness of representation, and examines how these aspects are accommodated within the dramatic soteriology. Chapter Four delves deeper into the nature of enactment and its liminality, with special attention to the importance of death in the Balthasar’s dramatic. Finally, Chapter Five demonstrates the adaptability of Balthasar’s analogical approach through a reading of a second-century text, the Acts of John—the only Gnostic work he critiques in the Theo-Drama. This analysis provides a rigorous test case for assessing the soundness of his approach and its broader applicability within the field of performance studies.

Date of Award	3 Dec 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of St Andrews
Supervisor	Rebekah Lamb (Supervisor) & James Davila (Supervisor)