Performance studies
Introduction
Performance studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines various forms of performance, including theatrical, ritualistic, and everyday performances. It integrates theories and methodologies from disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, and theater studies. The field focuses on understanding performance as a means of communication, cultural expression, and social interaction.
Historical Development
Early Foundations
The roots of performance studies can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the work of anthropologists such as Bronisław Malinowski and Margaret Mead, who studied rituals and ceremonies in various cultures. Their work laid the groundwork for understanding performance as a cultural phenomenon.
Emergence as a Discipline
Performance studies emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the late 20th century. Richard Schechner, a key figure in the field, established the Performance Studies Department at New York University in 1980. Schechner's work, along with that of Victor Turner, emphasized the performative aspects of rituals and social dramas, bridging the gap between anthropology and theater studies.
Key Concepts
Performance
Performance in this context refers to any behavior or action that is performed for an audience, whether in a formal setting like a theater or in everyday life. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from theatrical productions to social rituals and everyday interactions.
Performativity
The concept of performativity was introduced by philosopher J.L. Austin and later expanded by Judith Butler. Performativity refers to the idea that language and actions do not merely describe reality but actively shape it. In performance studies, this concept is used to analyze how identities and social realities are constructed through performance.
Liminality
Liminality is a term coined by anthropologist Victor Turner, referring to the transitional phase in a rite of passage. In performance studies, liminality is used to describe the ambiguous, in-between states that occur during performances, where normal social structures are temporarily suspended.
Methodologies
Ethnography
Ethnography is a primary research method in performance studies, involving the immersive observation and documentation of performances within their cultural contexts. This method allows researchers to gain a deep understanding of the meanings and functions of performances in different societies.
Performance Analysis
Performance analysis involves the systematic examination of performances, considering elements such as space, time, body, and audience. This method draws on techniques from theater studies, semiotics, and cultural studies to interpret the layers of meaning in a performance.
Practice-as-Research
Practice-as-research is a methodology where the researcher engages in the creation of performances as a means of inquiry. This approach emphasizes the experiential and embodied knowledge gained through the process of making and performing.
Applications
Theater and Dance
Performance studies has significantly influenced the fields of theater and dance, providing new frameworks for understanding and creating performances. The field encourages a broader view of performance, considering not only the aesthetic aspects but also the social, political, and cultural dimensions.
Cultural Studies
In cultural studies, performance is analyzed as a site of cultural production and resistance. Scholars examine how performances reflect, reinforce, or challenge cultural norms and power structures. This approach highlights the role of performance in shaping collective identities and social change.
Everyday Life
Performance studies extends beyond traditional performance arts to consider everyday actions and interactions as performances. This perspective reveals how social roles and identities are performed in daily life, from workplace behaviors to social media interactions.
Major Theorists
Richard Schechner
Richard Schechner is a foundational figure in performance studies, known for his work on the theory of performance and the development of the field. His concept of "restored behavior" describes how performances are composed of repeated, rehearsed actions that can be adapted and recontextualized.
Victor Turner
Victor Turner's work on rituals and social dramas has been highly influential in performance studies. His concepts of liminality and communitas have provided valuable insights into the transformative potential of performance.
Judith Butler
Judith Butler's theory of performativity has had a profound impact on performance studies, particularly in the analysis of gender and identity. Butler argues that gender is not a fixed trait but a performance that is continuously enacted and reinforced through social practices.
Contemporary Issues
Digital Performance
The rise of digital technologies has expanded the scope of performance studies to include virtual and online performances. Researchers examine how digital platforms create new forms of interaction and expression, from social media performances to virtual reality experiences.
Performance and Activism
Performance studies also explores the intersection of performance and activism, analyzing how performances can be used as tools for social and political change. This includes street theater, protest performances, and other forms of performative resistance.
Globalization
Globalization has brought new challenges and opportunities for performance studies, as performances increasingly cross cultural and national boundaries. Scholars investigate how global flows of culture and media influence local performances and how performances contribute to global cultural exchanges.