Now, it is stated that there must be a consciousness present for a performance to exist. The individual must be aware that he/she is in fact performing. This is the part of the article that I resonate most with; I think it is an excellent point because it helps to make a clear line as to what is and isn’t performance on a day to day basis. I do not believe that people are constantly performing; their whole life is not a performance. However, there are certain moments (throughout one’s life and even throughout one’s day), when one can become aware that he/she is being watched and then he/she starts behaving (I want to stay away from the word “acting” at this point) a certain way based on someone else. For example, if I suddenly realize that someone is watching me as I walk from point A to point B on campus, I consciously decide that I want to change my walk so that it looks more interesting. I am now performing my walk for this individual instead of it being unconscious choice in the back of my head. I always had my own idea of what a performance was and how to define it, but I could never quite put it into the right words. I know we’ve all had those moments! But, this idea of consciousness really helps me to solidify what makes a performance.
Growing up as a theatre kid, I always had my idea of what a performance, in terms of theatre, was and what was needed for it to happen: costumes, a set, a script, sound, a space that could be turned into a stage and audience seating area (we didn’t always get an actual stage, can’t forget those good ole’ gym floor performance days in middle school!), etc. These ideas have developed over the years as I’ve realized how much more abstract and experimental theatre can be. However, there are still some things I see that just make me think, “This is in no way a theatrical performance!” That happened to me as I was watching this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEcCa330R7U. Four people sit in the middle of a busy walkway and one by one grab a bucket, put it on their head, sit down, and then one by one remove the bucket from their head, sit down, and then they all leave together. No dialogue is spoken, there is no clear story, and I am unclear of any purpose. The four individuals are aware that people are watching and clearly this was discussed and planned by them, so it does qualify as a performance as far as an air of consciousness is concerned. In a theatrical sense, there is an audience (it is a forced audience as we discussed in class earlier), costumes, a script (no dialogue, just blocking), but a story is lacking. For me, that is where I draw the line here; for it to be a performance, in a theatrical sense, I need there to be a story. Normally, an audience can even make up a story for more abstract pieces, but I did not find that to be true here.
BONUS SURPRISE!!
Remember that video we saw the 2nd day of class? The strangest theatre performance ever as YouTube put it. Well, I found the whole performance for you guys. Here it is! I hope you enjoy.
Devin makes several interesting points here about performance. I definitely agree with her statement that, "I do not believe that people are constantly performing; their whole life is not a performance." Although i think people are often aware of how they are behaving, I do not think that is the same thing as constantly putting on a performance. In the same vain, I do think that being conscious of performing is what truly determines when one is performing versus going about daily tasks. Regardless of what others may think, an individual knows whether they are behaving from the standpoint of "performing" or just going about day to day life.
ReplyDeleteI could also relate to Devin's example of theatre performance, because I too choose a street performer who doesn't tell a story with their art. Even though the street statue, and the people participating in the video are certainly exhibiting some type of artistic form, I concur that it'd be a stretch to say that these two examples are theatrical "performance."