Wednesday 28 September 2011

Warwick 2b annotation on "Mapping Landscapes for Performance as Research" (by Riley&Hunter)

The reading we were assigned is an introduction to an edited book, therefore it mainly defines the basic terms in performance studies and discusses the differences between them, such as PaR (practice as research) and PAR (performance as research). The authors argue that these two terms overlap in many areas and yet their differences are significant. First of all, PAR is a US-originated term just like the field itself whereas PaR is used in the UK and other countries which are becoming significant contributors to the field in recent years.

Moreover, Riley and Hunter draw our attention to the fact that there is not a consensus in the terminology in contributing countries: diverse terms might be used in various countries or even if the terms used are identical, they differ in meaning and scope. Emphasizing the complexity even at the level of basic terms, the authors mainly point out the necessity for a conversation between different geographies (particularly a dialogue between the US and the rest) in performance studies.

The ambiguity results from the fact that the performance studies is a relatively new discipline. Nevertheless, this new discipline is inspiring enough to lead a paradigm shift which can be considered as a part of an epistemological revolution. That is, considering creative activity (performance) as a source of knowledge has changed how we look at knowledge today.

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