This is a course in critical approaches to performance – particularly as "performance" is increasingly used in recent years to describe a wide range of activities in the performing/visual arts, in literature, as well as in the social sciences. The course will focus on selected examples of performance, mainly from the twentieth century – for example, the works of Dada, Off-Off Broadway, performance art, and Butoh, as well as contemporary works in ritual and paratheatre. Concepts such as mimesis, performativity, semiotics, and postmodern representation might typically be studied, while performers, writers, artists, directors drawn from students' own interests will also be considered.
Prerequisite: None