Staging state patriotism: Høstgildet of 1790

Abstract

Whereas musical aspects of Høstgildet are discussed by Randi M. Selvik in her chapter elsewhere in this volume, my concern here is with the political content of this Singspiel. In my chapter I will explore how Høstgildet can be understood as a political play that stages state patriotism. I will do so by looking at what state patriotism was. I will also examine the play’s content and historical context, and consider how it was staged in 1790.