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Experiencing Liveness in Contemporary Performance: A Multisensory Exploration

Jesse Bell

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Published in Experiencing Liveness In Contemporary Performance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (Routledge Advances In Theatre Performance Studies 47)

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In the realm of contemporary performance, the concept of liveness has become increasingly central to critical discourse. Liveness is often seen as a defining characteristic of live performance, distinguishing it from other forms of artistic expression such as film or recorded music. But what exactly is liveness, and how is it experienced by audiences?

Experiencing Liveness in Contemporary Performance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (Routledge Advances in Theatre Performance Studies 47)

Experiencing Liveness in Contemporary Performance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (Routledge Advances in Theatre & Performance Studies Book 47)

by Olivier Dard

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In this article, we will explore the concept of liveness in contemporary performance, examining how it is created and experienced through the interplay of sensory modalities. Drawing on examples from theater, dance, and music, we will argue that liveness is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that cannot be reduced to a single definition. Rather, it is a dynamic and ever-evolving concept that is constantly being redefined by artists and audiences alike.

The Sensory Dimensions of Liveness

Liveness is often understood in terms of its sensory immediacy. In live performance, the audience is directly exposed to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the performance. This multisensory experience is what makes live performance so immersive and engaging. The audience is not simply a passive observer, but an active participant in the creation of the performance.

The sensory dimensions of liveness can be seen in a wide variety of contemporary performance practices. In theater, for example, the audience is often drawn into the performance through the use of immersive sound design, lighting, and scenography. In dance, the audience experiences the physicality of the dancers' bodies and the energy of their movement. In music, the audience is enveloped in the sound of the instruments and the voices of the performers.

The Phenomenology of Liveness

The phenomenology of liveness is concerned with the way that audiences experience live performance. This experience is often described in terms of presence, authenticity, and immediacy. When we attend a live performance, we feel as if we are in the same space as the performers, sharing in their experience. This sense of presence is what makes live performance so unique and special.

The authenticity of live performance is also an important factor in the audience's experience. When we see a live performance, we know that it is happening in real time, and that the performers are not relying on pre-recorded materials. This sense of authenticity makes live performance more engaging and believable than other forms of artistic expression.

Finally, the immediacy of live performance is what makes it so powerful. When we attend a live performance, we are experiencing it in the present moment. This sense of immediacy creates a heightened sense of awareness and engagement. We are fully present in the moment, and we are able to appreciate the performance in its full complexity.

The Future of Liveness

The future of liveness in contemporary performance is uncertain. With the rise of new technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, it is possible that the way we experience live performance will change dramatically in the coming years. However, one thing is for sure: liveness will always be an essential part of the human experience. We need live performance to connect with each other, to share our stories, and to celebrate our humanity.

Liveness is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is constantly being redefined by artists and audiences alike. It is a dynamic and ever-evolving concept that cannot be reduced to a single definition. However, one thing is for sure: liveness is an essential part of contemporary performance. It is what makes live performance so immersive, engaging, and powerful.

As the future of technology continues to unfold, it is likely that the way we experience live performance will change. However, one thing is for sure: liveness will always be an important part of the human experience. It is a way for us to connect with each other, to share our stories, and to celebrate our humanity.

Experiencing Liveness in Contemporary Performance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (Routledge Advances in Theatre & Performance Studies Book 47)

by Olivier Dard

5 out of 5