Bergson and Durational Performance: (Re)Ma(r)king Time

This book explores the possibility of an alternative experience of time that is closer to the pure duration described by Henri Bergson, using durational performances as case studies. It combines Bergson's philosophy with ideas from psychology and anthropology to speculate on the possibilities available in a world where time is short, but the possibility of experience is abundant. The main audience is academic and student markets, as well as those interested in the phenomenon of social acceleration, performance philosophy, and Bergsons philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2022
Publisher: Intellect Books

Humans have always marked time, whether by using the earth's natural rhythms or with the clock. In contrast to pre-industrial people, who lived in an age of social acceleration dominated by clock time and network time, living in an age of social acceleration presents many more options than can possibly be achieved in a human lifespan. This book explores the possibility of an alternative experience of time, one that is closer to the pure duration described by philosopher Henri Bergson. The discussions in this book contribute to contemporary performance analysis, philosophy, and Bergson studies, as well as exploring aspects of immersive and participatory performance, walking practices, ritual, and online performance.

Using durational performances as case studies, the author demonstrates new insights into Bergson's philosophy alongside key theorists in psychology and anthropology. Through a series of performance analyses, Bergson's philosophy of duration is coupled with ideas from Maslow, Csikszentmihalyi, and Victor Turner to speculate on the possibilities available in challenging an experience of the world in which time is short, but the possibility of experience is abundant.

The main audience is an academic and student market. Undergraduate and postgraduate students of theatre studies, performance, and the performing arts, doctoral researchers, researchers interested in time and performance, the relationship between performance and philosophy, those with an interest in philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and psychology will all find much of interest.

Potential wider readership in those who are interested in the phenomenon of social acceleration, in performance philosophy, as well in Bergson's philosophy.

Dimension: 244 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789386226
Edition number: New ed