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Performance and the Cultural Politics of Space in Contemporary Performance

Dillon Hayes

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Published in Theatre S Heterotopias: Performance And The Cultural Politics Of Space (Contemporary Performance InterActions)

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Theatre's Heterotopias: Performance and the Cultural Politics of Space (Contemporary Performance InterActions)

by Paris Fury

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1200 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	246 pages

In recent years, contemporary performance artists have increasingly used space as a central element in their work. This has led to a new wave of performances that challenge traditional notions of power, identity, and community. By using space in innovative ways, artists are able to create immersive and interactive experiences that disrupt the status quo and engage audiences in new ways.

Case Study: The Wooster Group's "The Room"

The Wooster Group's "The Room" is a performance that takes place in a single, windowless room. The audience is seated around the perimeter of the room, while the performers move freely throughout the space. The performance is highly immersive, and the audience is made to feel as if they are part of the action.

The use of space in "The Room" is not simply a matter of aesthetics. It is also a political statement. The room is a metaphor for the closed-off world of the elite. The audience is forced to confront their own complicity in this world, as they watch the performers move freely through the space while they are confined to their seats.

Case Study: Forced Entertainment's "Speak Bitterness"

Forced Entertainment's "Speak Bitterness" is a performance that takes place in a public space. The audience is invited to follow the performers as they move through the space, interacting with the environment and each other.

The use of space in "Speak Bitterness" is designed to create a sense of community. The audience is encouraged to interact with the performers and with each other, and the performance becomes a shared experience.

Case Study: Gob Squad's "Western Society"

Gob Squad's "Western Society" is a performance that takes place in a variety of different spaces. The performance is structured as a series of short scenes, each of which takes place in a different location. The audience is invited to follow the performers from one location to the next.

The use of space in "Western Society" is designed to disrupt the audience's expectations. The audience is never sure where the performance is going to take place next, and this sense of uncertainty creates a feeling of excitement and anticipation.

The use of space in contemporary performance is a powerful tool that artists can use to challenge traditional notions of power, identity, and community. By creating immersive and interactive experiences, artists are able to engage audiences in new ways and disrupt the status quo.

Theatre's Heterotopias: Performance and the Cultural Politics of Space (Contemporary Performance InterActions)

by Paris Fury

4 out of 5