The Problems of Viewing Performance: Epistemology and Other Minds

The Problems of Viewing Performance challenges long-held assumptions about the shared experience of viewing performance by considering the ways in which knowledge is received by multiple audience members and how this knowledge is modified by other viewers. It argues that knowledge surrounding a performance is intersubjective and that audiences have different viewing experiences. This book is essential reading for theatre and performance students, scholars, and practitioners as it unpacks the dynamics of spectatorship and explores how audiences work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The traditional notion of viewing performance as a shared experience is challenged by The Problems of Viewing Performance, which delves into the complex dynamics of how knowledge is received by multiple audience members. This groundbreaking work breaks new ground by asserting that viewing performance is not a uniform or communal experience but rather a subjective and individualized one.

Viewers bring their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and levels of knowledge to each performance, shaping their interpretations and assumptions about the unfolding events. These assumptions are not static and are often influenced by other viewers, both during the performance and in the aftermath. Through the process of superimposing the experiences and justified beliefs of multiple viewers, knowledge of performance becomes more accurate and nuanced.

The intersubjectivity of the viewing experience highlights the fact that there is no single "correct" interpretation of a performance. Different viewers may have different takeaways, and their perspectives should be valued and acknowledged. This book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to these differences in viewing experiences, exploring the cognitive, social, and cultural factors that shape spectatorship.

The Problems of Viewing Performance is a valuable resource for theatre and performance students, scholars, and practitioners alike. It offers insights into the complex processes of spectatorship, challenging long-held assumptions and providing a deeper understanding of the ways in which audiences engage with performance. By exploring the intersubjectivity of the viewing experience, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the role of the audience in shaping the artistic process.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367725822