Resumen de ‘More medieval morality play than 21st century’: Spectacle and its Meaning at the Coronation of King Charles III
On 6 May 2023, as I sat down on my couch to watch King Charles III's coronation, I cannot say that I was especially excited about it. I am not from the United Kingdom and did not feel particularly engaged by an event that I perceived to be closely tied to that country and culture. However, I was curious enough to turn on the television that morning: the fashion would undoubtedly be interesting (would the hats be even more wonderful than those seen at royal weddings?) and it would be fun to spot our own Swiss president sitting in Westminster Abbey. As the ceremony started, my excitement rose and I found myself wanting to see the crown jewels, all the gold and the wealth on display, and museum pieces worn again. I was eager to listen to the music, some of which – like Handel's Zadok the Priest – I was aware had been composed for similar ceremonies in the past. Spectacle (defined here as ‘stage display or pageantry’) was therefore the primary draw for me to watch King Charles III's coronation. I was intrigued because the event was beautiful and unique, but also because I felt I was watching, in some ways, a recreation of a historical spectacle.
