Storying the Self: Performance and Communities

The chapters in this collection explore the intersection of personal experiences and political, cultural, and social narratives, highlighting the need to rethink critical scholarly work. Life stories are messy, complex, personal, and often challenging, and contributions from various authors explore these themes. The Performance and Communities Book Series aims to celebrate, challenge, and research performance in the real world, engaging with practitioners, academics, students, and audiences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2023
Publisher: Intellect Books

The chapters in this captivating collection delve into the intricate interplay of individual experiences and broader political, cultural, and social narratives. They explore themes such as personal and social identities, (un)belonging, motherhood, academic lives, and the complexities of being an arts practitioner. These narratives and accounts not only enrich the ongoing dialogues within the fields of practice and academia but also push the boundaries of critical and engaging scholarly work.

Life stories, by their very nature, are intricate, multifaceted, deeply personal, and frequently touch upon challenging experiences that have shaped the authors' lives. Contributions from a diverse range of scholars, including Ross Adamson, Suzy Bamblett, Emily Bell, Jenni Cresswell, Hannah Davita Ludikhuijze, Sandra Lyndon, Vanessa Marr, Jess Moriarty, Éva Mikuska, Holly Stewart, Deirdre Russell, Louise Spiers, and Lucianna Whittle, make up this groundbreaking collection.

This is the inaugural book in a new series, the Performance and Communities Book Series, which aims to celebrate, interrogate, and explore the world of performance in its real-world contexts. The series will take a holistic approach, considering how contemporary performance can engage, build, and learn from existing and evolving communities of practitioners, academics, students, and audiences alike.

Through their diverse perspectives and insightful contributions, the chapters in this collection shed light on the complex tapestry of human experiences and their intersections with political, cultural, and social narratives. They invite readers to reflect on the ways in which individual stories and collective narratives shape our understanding of the world and inspire us to engage in meaningful dialogue and action.

As the series progresses, it will delve into the diverse ways in which performance can be used as a tool for social change, cultural understanding, and personal growth. It will explore the ways in which performance can create spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and the exploration of challenging topics, fostering empathy, understanding, and collective action.

In conclusion, this collection is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of engaging with the broader social and political context in which we live. It offers a rich tapestry of narratives and perspectives that will inspire and challenge readers, and pave the way for new conversations and insights into the world of performance and its impact on our lives.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 175 x 250 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789387285
Edition number: New ed