Reading Contemporary Performance
Theatricality Across Genres
By Gabrielle Cody, Meiling Cheng | Publisher: Taylor and Francis
About the book
As the nature of contemporary performance continues to expand into new forms, genres and media, it requires an increasingly diverse vocabulary. Reading Contemporary Performance provides students, critics and creators with a rich understanding of the key terms and ideas that are central to any discussion of this evolving theatricality.
Specially commissioned entries from a wealth of contributors map out the many and varied ways of discussing performance in all of its forms – from theatrical and site-specific performances to live and New Media art. The book is divided into two sections:
- Concepts - Key terms and ideas arranged according to the five characteristic elements of performance art: time; space; action; performer; audience.
- Methodologies and Turning Points - The seminal theories and ways of reading performance, such as postmodernism, epic theatre, feminisms, happenings and animal studies.
- Case Studies – entries in both sections are accompanied by short studies of specific performances and events, demonstrating creative examples of the ideas and issues in question.
Three different introductory essays provide multiple entry points into the discussion of contemporary performance, and cross-references for each entry also allow the plotting of one’s own pathway. Reading Contemporary Performance is an invaluable guide, providing not just a solid set of familiarities, but an exploration and contextualisation of this broad and vital field.
Editions of Reading Contemporary Performance
- EBook
- ISBN 9781136246562
- PDF
- ISBN 9781136246579
Read an Excerpt
As the nature of contemporary performance continues to expand into new forms, genres and media, it requires an increasingly diverse vocabulary. Reading Contemporary Performance provides students, critics and creators with a rich understanding of the key terms and ideas that are central to any discussion of this evolving theatricality.
Specially commissioned entries from a wealth of contributors map out the many and varied ways of discussing performance in all of its forms – from theatrical and site-specific performances to live and New Media art. The book is divided into two sections:
- Concepts - Key terms and ideas arranged according to the five characteristic elements of performance art: time; space; action; performer; audience.
- Methodologies and Turning Points - The seminal theories and ways of reading performance, such as postmodernism, epic theatre, feminisms, happenings and animal studies.
- Case Studies – entries in both sections are accompanied by short studies of specific performances and events, demonstrating creative examples of the ideas and issues in question.
Three different introductory essays provide multiple entry points into the discussion of contemporary performance, and cross-references for each entry also allow the plotting of one’s own pathway. Reading Contemporary Performance is an invaluable guide, providing not just a solid set of familiarities, but an exploration and contextualisation of this broad and vital field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reading Contemporary Performance about?
As the nature of contemporary performance continues to expand into new forms, genres and media, it requires an increasingly diverse vocabulary. Reading Contemporary Performance provides students, critics and creators with a rich understanding of the key terms and ideas that are central to any discussion of this evolving theatricality.
Specially commissioned entries from a wealth of contributors map out the many and varied ways of discussing performance in all of its forms – from theatrical and site-specific performances to live and New Media art. The book is divided into two sections:
- Concepts - Key terms and ideas arranged according to the five characteristic elements of performance art: time; space; action; performer; audience.
- Methodologies and Turning Points - The seminal theories and ways of reading performance, such as postmodernism, epic theatre, feminisms, happenings and animal studies.
- Case Studies – entries in both sections are accompanied by short studies of specific performances and events, demonstrating creative examples of the ideas and issues in question.
Three different introductory essays provide multiple entry points into the discussion of contemporary performance, and cross-references for each entry also allow the plotting of one’s own pathway. Reading Contemporary Performance is an invaluable guide, providing not just a solid set of familiarities, but an exploration and contextualisation of this broad and vital field.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Reading Contemporary Performance?
The Arts > Performing arts > Theatre studies
Where can I read a sample of Reading Contemporary Performance?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781136246562
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Reading Contemporary Performance?
Gabrielle Cody, Meiling Cheng
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Reading Contemporary Performance is available as ebook(ISBN 9781136246562) and pdf(ISBN 9781136246579)