Performing Habakkuk

"Performance criticism is a developing critical methodology providing new insights into the Hebrew prophets . . . Performing Habakkuk provides a clear and thorough application of performance criticism in a way that breathes new life into the book of Habakkuk. A must-read for those interested in the Hebrew prophets!"

--Terry Giles, Charles Sturt University



"Mathews carefully and creatively engages performance criticism as a lens for interpreting prophetic literature. She highlights performative elements within Habakkuk that both aid in its interpretation and serve as clues for a script that can be re-enacted for today's communities of faith."

--James D. Nogalski, Baylor University



"This pioneering work illustrates the use of performance criticism to present a holistic understanding of the composition and implied rhetorical impact of Habbakuk. In addition to a helpful review of secular and biblical performance studies, Mathews develops a step-by-step procedure to explore the sounds, emotions, characters, images, and audience of Habbakuk . . . In so doing, she brings considerable insight to the artistry and meaning of this prophetic composition."

--David Rhoads, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago



"Readers wanting the best biblical criticism will find it here, as Mathews gives new life to Habakkuk through the lens of performance criticism. Habakkuk becomes a dramatic script enlivened with sight and sound, awakening modern readers to participate in the drama. Mathews draws us into the heart of Habakkuk, the struggle to live faithfully in crisis. Habakkuk is not simply to be read, but heard, seen, and lived by all communities seeking to live faithfully. Mathews shows us how."

--Kandy Queen, Stetson University



"The prophetic book of Habakkuk aims, as does all Scripture, at the transformation of its audience. Mathews has creatively used performance criticism to highlight the drama of Habakkuk and retrieve its message of faithfulness in the midst of cultural trauma and public crises. She has also provided a new translation that provides the 'script' for the performance of Habakkuk. I highly recommend this book."

--Thorwald Lorenzen, Charles Sturt University