Performance of Absence in Theatre, Performance and Visual Art

The research project investigates the concepts of absence across theatre, visual art, and performance, encouraging active engagement with theatre theory and performances and reconsidering theories and experiences to change the way we engage with performances and social relations and traditions outside of theatre.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This extensive research project delves into the multifaceted concepts of absence across various disciplines, including theatre, visual art, and performance. By centering absence as a central ideology, the book offers a liberating perspective that frees readers from the confines of dominant meanings. It actively encourages engagement with theatre theory and performances, prompting a reevaluation of existing theories and experiences. This transformative process not only affects our understanding of performances but also extends to our interactions with social relations and traditions beyond the realm of theatre.

Sylwia Dobkowska, a prominent scholar in the field, employs her expertise in theatre, performance, and visual arts practices to examine and theorize the concepts of absence and presence. This book holds immense appeal to students and scholars engaged in theatre, visual art, and philosophy, as it provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of these critical themes.

Through her meticulous research and analytical approach, Dobkowska offers a rich tapestry of perspectives and insights into the complexities of absence. She explores how absence can be used as a powerful tool for artistic expression, how it shapes our understanding of identity and presence, and how it contributes to the broader cultural and societal discourse.

The book is organized into several chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of absence. Dobkowska begins by examining the historical and cultural significance of absence, exploring how it has been used in various artistic traditions to create meaning and provoke thought. She then moves on to explore the theoretical implications of absence, discussing how it challenges traditional notions of presence and identity and opens up new avenues for artistic exploration.

In addition to her theoretical insights, Dobkowska provides numerous examples of theatre, visual art, and performance that illustrate the power of absence. She showcases how artists have used absence to create powerful and evocative works that challenge our perceptions of reality and encourage us to think critically about the world around us.

One of the key strengths of this book is its accessibility. Dobkowska writes in a clear and concise manner, making complex ideas accessible to a wide range of readers. She also includes numerous visual illustrations and examples, which help to reinforce the concepts discussed in the text.

Overall, this research project investigates the concepts of absence across the disciplines of theatre, visual art, and performance. By centering absence as a central ideology, the book offers a liberating perspective that encourages active engagement with theatre theory and performances. Through its comprehensive exploration of absence, Sylwia Dobkowska provides valuable insights into the complexities of this critical theme and its implications for artistic expression, social relations, and cultural discourse. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars engaged in theatre, visual art, and philosophy.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032044606