This post is written as a direct extension of a discussion my Intro to Visual Culture class had a few weeks ago - thoughts/reactions to the ideas and distinctions between theater and performance art.
I don't think a distinction can be drawn between the two. They are both mutually inclusive and mutually exclusive.
Theater can fall under the umbrella of performance art, performance art can be viewed as theater.
Both fall under the category of performance.
Theater is also not just a proscenium stage, with an audience, a fourth wall.
It can be many things, some that could be considered performative, some experimental, some classical, some mundane.
In my class, a plurality of people only saw theater as traditional theater, classical theater. Which it isn't.
Classical theater is the common perception of theater, but it isn't all theater can be.
Theater and performance art are the same in that they are performative and can shock and provoke and heal. I want to learn more about Romeo Castellucci and his 'theater of the image'.
Performance and theater are different in ways that can only be determined on a case by case basis.
One idea that I like but am not sure if I agree with is Marina Abramovic's differentiation - in theater the knife is fake. In performance art the knife is real.
These lines really can't be drawn. But I also know that people do draw those lines, and it is important to break them in order to move art and provoke thought.
In my own work, I don't want a clear line to be able to be drawn between theater and performance art. The notions of breaking and healing and catharsis intrigue me, as do sounds and light and video juxtaposed with text and acting.
<3
I don't think a distinction can be drawn between the two. They are both mutually inclusive and mutually exclusive.
Theater can fall under the umbrella of performance art, performance art can be viewed as theater.
Both fall under the category of performance.
Theater is also not just a proscenium stage, with an audience, a fourth wall.
It can be many things, some that could be considered performative, some experimental, some classical, some mundane.
In my class, a plurality of people only saw theater as traditional theater, classical theater. Which it isn't.
Classical theater is the common perception of theater, but it isn't all theater can be.
Theater and performance art are the same in that they are performative and can shock and provoke and heal. I want to learn more about Romeo Castellucci and his 'theater of the image'.
Performance and theater are different in ways that can only be determined on a case by case basis.
One idea that I like but am not sure if I agree with is Marina Abramovic's differentiation - in theater the knife is fake. In performance art the knife is real.
These lines really can't be drawn. But I also know that people do draw those lines, and it is important to break them in order to move art and provoke thought.
In my own work, I don't want a clear line to be able to be drawn between theater and performance art. The notions of breaking and healing and catharsis intrigue me, as do sounds and light and video juxtaposed with text and acting.
<3
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