Precarious Spectatorship: Theatre and Image in an Age of Emergencies

Precarious spectatorship is the relationship between emergencies and the spectator, created by repeated exposure to narratives that suspend everyday life and compromise the spectator's ability to rationalize. It is a destructive aspect of contemporary spectatorship that is often overlooked.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 192 pages
\n Publication date: 14 October 2019
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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Precarious spectatorship delves into the intricate interplay between emergencies and the observer, particularly in the context of the early twenty-first century. In the realm of newsgathering and political institutions within western industrial democracies, emergencies have become an increasingly prevalent phenomenon. Spanning from terrorism to global warming, the refugee crisis to general elections, spectators are bombarded with a relentless stream of narratives that aim to suspend the norms and conventions of everyday life in response to perpetual "exceptional threats." This relentless exposure to these narratives through the technological apparatuses of contemporary society has given rise to a precarious spectatorship, where the observer's capacity to rationalize and navigate their relationship with the object of their observation is compromised.

This precarious state of affairs has emerged as a destructive yet often overlooked facet of contemporary spectatorship. It undermines the critical faculties of individuals, hindering their ability to discern fact from fiction, and to engage in meaningful dialogue and analysis. Moreover, the prevalence of precarious spectatorship contributes to a sense of disorientation and detachment, as individuals become increasingly inundated with information and unable to establish a meaningful connection with the world around them.

To address this pressing concern, it is essential to cultivate a more discerning and critical approach to spectatorship. This entails developing a deeper understanding of the narratives we consume, questioning their underlying assumptions and biases, and seeking out diverse perspectives and sources of information. By expanding our horizons and challenging our own perspectives, we can cultivate a more robust and resilient sense of self and engage more meaningfully with the world around us.

In conclusion, precarious spectatorship poses a significant threat to our ability to engage with the world in a meaningful and informed manner. By cultivating a more discerning and critical approach to spectatorship, we can mitigate the risks associated with this state of affairs and work towards a more robust and resilient sense of self and society.

\n Weight: 334g\n
Dimension: 218 x 145 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526138415\n \n