Performances of Sacred Places: Crossing, Breathing, Resisting

The first book to explore the notion of sacred places from the perspective of performance studies, combining religious studies, philosophy, and anthropological approaches. It expands the concept of sacred places to non-religious contexts and offers a multi-layered and contemporary approach to the question of sacred sites, their practices, politics, and ecologies. The book is divided into three sections that evidence the three approaches that are generally engaged with and through which sacred places are defined, actualized, and activated.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2021
Publisher: Intellect Books

This groundbreaking book delves into the realm of sacred places, exploring their significance from the perspective of performance studies. It presents a unique blend of practice-as-research accounts and theoretical analysis, making it a multidisciplinary endeavor that brings together religious studies, philosophy, and anthropological approaches under the umbrella of performance studies. By focusing on practice and performance rather than theology, the book expands the notion of sacred places to non-religious contexts, offering a fresh and innovative perspective.

The central critical framework of inquiry in this book is performance studies, a multidisciplinary methodological approach that emphasizes the importance of examining the practices and actions that shape and activate processes. This approach recognizes the profound value, function, and role that practices and their materialities play in the creation, development, and preservation of sacred spaces.

The book is organized into three sections, each highlighting a different approach to understanding and experiencing sacred places. Crossing explores the ways in which sacred places are created through the intersection of multiple cultural and religious traditions. Breathing delves into the embodied experiences and sensory dimensions of sacred places, emphasizing the ways in which they evoke emotional and spiritual responses. Resisting examines the political and power dynamics that shape the perception and management of sacred places, highlighting the ways in which they can be contested and transformed.

The book features a strong field of international contributors, including practitioners and scholars from various disciplines. Their contributions provide valuable insights and perspectives, contributing to a richer understanding of the complexities and nuances of sacred places in contemporary societies.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking book offers a multi-layered and contemporary approach to the question of sacred sites, their practices, politics, and ecologies. By employing the critical framework of performance studies, it sheds light on the ways in which practices and their materialities shape the perception and experience of sacred places. It provides valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of human experiences and the significance of sacred spaces in our lives.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 251 x 233 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789383874
Edition number: New ed