Reading Contemporary Performance

<p>As the nature of contemporary performance continues to expand into new forms genres and media it requires an increasingly diverse vocabulary. <i>Reading Contemporary Performance</i> 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. </p><p>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:</p><ul> <ul> <p> </p> <li>Concepts - Key terms and ideas arranged according to the five characteristic elements of performance art: time; space; action; performer; audience.</li> </ul> </ul><ul> <ul> <p> </p> <li>Methodologies and Turning Points - The seminal theories and ways of reading performance such as postmodernism epic theatre feminisms happenings and animal studies. </li> </ul> </ul><ul> <ul> <p> </p> <li>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. </li> </ul> </ul><p>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. <i>Reading Contemporary Performance </i>is an invaluable guide providing not just a solid set of familiarities but an exploration and contextualisation of this broad and vital field. </p>