Attention in Performance: Acting Lessons in Sensory Anthropology

Learning from actors provides anthropologists with an intense education of attention, enabling them to develop skills useful for research on phenomena that elude academic procedures. Cassis Kilian's book explores how actors use their skills to explore the complexity of human life, offering valuable insights for anthropological research. It values anthropology as a discipline with a radical self-reflexive approach.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound educational benefits of learning from actors, offering a unique perspective for anthropologists. Actors possess the remarkable ability to portray a wide range of human experiences, including the perception of sunshine, the sensation of pain, and profound emotions such as shock and happiness. Through their rigorous training, they master the art of attention, enabling them to excel in various roles on stage, such as quarrels, erotic attraction, leadership, and submission.

By embarking on this educational journey, actors develop skills that are invaluable to anthropologists, particularly when conducting research on phenomena that often evade traditional academic procedures. In her insightful work, Cassis Kilian explores the manifold proposals of Tim Ingolds to reconfigure anthropological research. Through her own acting experiences and ongoing collaborations with actors from Africa and Europe, Kilian introduces approaches actors employ to delve into the intricate complexities of human life, encompassing its bodily, sensual, and emotional dimensions.

This exploration is particularly relevant when examining topics such as everyday practices, traumatic experiences, and power relations, which can be challenging for academics to grasp. Kilian highlights the artistic approaches actors employ to navigate these complex domains, offering valuable insights for anthropologists seeking to expand their research horizons.

While the book acknowledges the potential pitfalls in anthropological research and suggests artistic solutions to overcome them, it remains steadfast in its appreciation of anthropology as a discipline that embraces radical self-reflexivity. This self-reflexive approach allows for such experimental endeavors, making this book an invaluable resource for scholars interested in anthropological methods, sensory anthropology, perception and materiality, and theatre anthropology.

The book is organized into several chapters, each providing a comprehensive exploration of the topic. It includes practical exercises and case studies that facilitate the reader's understanding and application of the concepts presented. Additionally, Kilian's engaging writing style and accessible language make it accessible to a wide range of scholars and enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking perspective on the intersection of acting and anthropology, shedding light on the educational benefits of learning from actors. By embracing the artistic approaches actors employ, anthropologists can expand their understanding of human experiences and develop skills that are essential for conducting rigorous and innovative research. This book is a must-read for scholars and practitioners interested in exploring the rich tapestry of human existence.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367720339