Re-performance, Mourning and Death: Specters of the Past

The book explores the trend of re-performance and its impact on the relationship between live performance and death, comparing it to the process of mourning and arguing that both are processes of adaptation and survival. It uses case studies of performance art to examine performances that can be considered acts of re-performance and those that examine critical concerns such as illness, loss, and death.

Format: Hardback
Length: 203 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the intriguing phenomenon of re-performance, exploring its profound impact on the intricate relationship between live performance and the concept of death. With a keen focus on exemplary examples of performance art, the text delves into the intricate dance between performance, re-performance, and mortality, comparing the process of re-performance to the profound journey of mourning. Through a rich tapestry of case studies, encompassing the works of renowned artists such as Ron Athey, Julie Tolentino, Martin OBrien, Sheree Rose, Jo Spence, and Hannah Wilke, the book uncovers performances that can be classified as acts of re-performance, as well as those that critically examine the myriad of concerns surrounding this practice, including notions of illness, loss, and death. By seamlessly integrating philosophical and performance studies discourses, the text offers a novel and thought-provoking perspective on the intricate interplay between re-performance, mourning, and death. This insightful exploration invites readers to contemplate the enduring power of performance to transcend time, heal wounds, and ignite new understandings of the human experience.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030847739
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021