Author Name
C.S.Biju Ph.D, Associate Professor in English. St.Thomas’ College( Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Abstract
Performance is not just ‘doing’ or ‘re-doing’, but it is an effort to embody the tension between culture and history on the one hand and the ever changing present on the other. Therefore, ‘performance’ implies a self consciousness about ‘doing’ and ‘re-doing’ on the part of both the performers and the spectators. This conception of self consciousness in the production of cultural meanings through performative acts is pivotal in community based theatre and performance activities. MacAloon’s remark on cultural performances that they function as a “crucible for self examination” holds in the case of socially engaged performances such as community and participatory theatres. Both the performers and the spectators alike reiterate the fact that the cultural and social meta-commentary is a primary function of performance art when it pivots around the manifold tensions which draw itself inside a community. The conscious self reflection and examination through the dramatisation of collective myths and histories in an effort to explore possible alternatives are crucial for community based performative ventures. In these contexts, Smith’s works ostensibly engage in precipitating a meta-commentary on communities.
Published On :
2018-05-02
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