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Performance Phenomenology: Retrieving the Thing Itself Through Performance Philosophy

Raymond Chandler

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Published in Performance Phenomenology: To The Thing Itself (Performance Philosophy)

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Performance phenomenology is a philosophical approach to the study of performance that seeks to understand the lived experience of performance, focusing on the relationship between the performer, the performance, and the audience. It calls for a return to the thing itself, to the direct and immediate experience of performance, in order to understand its essence.

Performance Phenomenology: To The Thing Itself (Performance Philosophy)

5 out of 5

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Performance phenomenology is rooted in the phenomenological tradition of philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of direct experience and the lived world. Phenomenologists argue that the only way to truly understand something is to experience it firsthand, and that all knowledge is ultimately based on our own subjective experiences.

When applied to performance, phenomenology seeks to understand the lived experience of both the performer and the audience. This includes the performer's physical, emotional, and mental experiences, as well as the audience's emotional and cognitive responses to the performance.

The Thing Itself

The central concept in performance phenomenology is the "thing itself." This refers to the direct and immediate experience of performance, without the mediation of language or thought. It is the raw, unfiltered experience of the performance, as it is lived by the performer and the audience.

Performance phenomenologists argue that the thing itself is the only true source of knowledge about performance. They believe that by returning to the thing itself, we can understand the essence of performance and its impact on the performer and the audience.

The Performer

The performer is a central figure in performance phenomenology. The performer's body, mind, and emotions are all involved in the creation of the performance, and the performer's experience of the performance is unique and personal.

Performance phenomenologists argue that the performer is not simply a vessel for the performance. Rather, the performer is an active participant in the creation of the performance, and the performer's own experiences and emotions are an essential part of the work.

The Audience

The audience is another important figure in performance phenomenology. The audience's responses to the performance are an essential part of the work, and the audience's experience of the performance is unique and personal.

Performance phenomenologists argue that the audience is not simply a passive recipient of the performance. Rather, the audience is an active participant in the creation of the performance, and the audience's own experiences and emotions are an essential part of the work.

Performance Philosophy

Performance philosophy is a branch of philosophy that focuses on the study of performance. Performance philosophers seek to understand the nature of performance, its relationship to other forms of art, and its impact on society.

Performance phenomenology is a central part of performance philosophy. Performance philosophers argue that the only way to truly understand performance is to experience it firsthand, and that all knowledge about performance is ultimately based on our own subjective experiences.

Performance phenomenology is a unique and valuable approach to the study of performance. It calls for a return to the thing itself, to the direct and immediate experience of performance, in order to understand its essence. Performance phenomenology offers a deep and nuanced understanding of performance, and it can help us to appreciate the power and beauty of this unique art form.

Performance Phenomenology: To The Thing Itself (Performance Philosophy)

5 out of 5