Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Out of face: a very theatrical turbulence

Duggan, P. (2009) Out of face: a very theatrical turbulence. Paper presented to: Theatre and Performance Research Association (TaPRA) Conference 2009, University of Plymouth, 07-09 September 2009. (Unpublished)

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Abstract: This paper explores two distinct but interrelated performative moments. Drawing Goffman’s model of ‘faces’ and Bourdieu’s habitus it presents an exchange of two parts: Part I considers corpsing and stage fright to propose that these phenomena constitute a theatrical traumatic split. In corpsing the actor becomes ‘out of face’ and this not only amounts to a traumatic event but is also a site of physical exchange between performers on stage and between audience and performers. This first thesis exposes the inherent and specific trauma of the theatre (especially in playing a character) and considers the possibility that this might not only unravel the performance event but also impact, repeatedly and violently on the performers themselves in an uncanny echoing of trauma-symptoms. Part II uses photos from Abu Ghraib explored in relation to Goffman and Bourdieu to consider how theatricality/performativity can be employed as a mechanism by which ‘traumas’ might be inflicted. In parallel, this second part looks at how theatrical apparatus might help us to recognise the performativity of trauma in everyday life. The paper explores the impact of these particular aspects of theatrical exchange and further offers each an exchange between the two parts in order to illustrate their proximity and at the same time their opposite facing nature
Subjects: P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN2000 Dramatic representation. The Theater > PN2041 Performance studies
Creators: Duggan, Patrick
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Journalism, Media & Performance
Date: September 2009
Date Type: Presentation
Event Title: Theatre and Performance Research Association (TaPRA) Conference 2009
Event Dates: 07-09 September 2009
Event Location: University of Plymouth
Event Type: Conference
Language: English
Status: Unpublished
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/2178

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