October 06, 2004
goodbye "performance"
In an October 1, 2004 New York Times review of a show, Don't Call it Performance, at the Museo del Barrio, New York, we learn that the term "performance" has been challenged by no less an authority than performance artist Vito Acconci.
Where were you, Mr. Acconci, when we initiated this blog with the What is___? questions:
"What is Performance? performance? performative? And within that discussion, what is authorship, interaction, participation?"
Acconci holds that performance is a theater term. And that new work differs from professional theater by being 1) unscripted for the most part; 2) non-oral-- the body is the predominant mode of expression--and 3) played out in real time. It also has a different relation to its audience, in that it "tries for a relationship with the viewer that is more direct and spontaneous [and] meant for less structured spaces than stages, silver screens and museums."
"Performative" is Acconci's word of choice.
Posted by newradio at October 6, 2004 02:37 PM
