Bread and Circuses

July 2, 2008 12:54 PM

I'm seeking writing or creative work related to the idea of "Bread and Circuses." Essays related to this theme, art/media projects creatively interpreting this theme, or your thoughts (as abstract/creative as you like) about this theme.
posted by kalapierson to Media & Arts (6 answers total)

There was a great Toad the Wet Sprocket album titled "Bread and Circus." I never bothered to find out why - maybe it'll prove relevant in your "quest." Toad (and especially the lead singer, Glen Phillips) was lyrically a highly poetic/literate band. Meaning, their lyrics had many, many allusions to literature, history, philosophy, etc.
posted by Detuned Radio at 1:40 PM on July 2, 2008

Juvenal, Satire X for the original. "Panem et circenses".
posted by gimonca at 1:59 PM on July 2, 2008

Logan's Run contains strong thematic elements along these lines.
posted by lhall at 2:18 PM on July 2, 2008

Aldous Huxley's Brave New World.
posted by thomas j wise at 2:31 PM on July 2, 2008

A truly evergreen topic. This may be a bit literal, but any excuse to big up a fantastic number is good enough for me: Panis et Circenses by Os Mutantes.

Portuguese lyrics and english translations discussed here and scratchy youtube vid version here.
posted by freya_lamb at 5:39 PM on July 2, 2008 [1 favorite]

Ack! Sorry, that first link goes to the dodgy english version - not good! Check out the far superior original thusly.
posted by freya_lamb at 5:47 PM on July 2, 2008