Synopses & Reviews
The volume examines the performance aesthetics of four major art movements—Expressionism, Futurism, Dadaism, and Constructivism. After outlining the origins and general characteristics of the historical avant-garde, this study offers detailed coverage of key performances undertaken by artists, usually outside the conventional theatre environment. Günter Berghaus identifies paths and trajectories through a complex artistic terrain, often referred to as “Art Performances,” and surveys trends and events that had a fundamental influence on the development of a modern theatre practice.
Review
"One of the most comprehensive studies to date of four major artistic movements that helped shape the avant-garde and modern theater practice...This is a remarkable examination of art and theater from a European perspective."—Choice
"Berghaus's Theatre, Performance, and the Historical Avant-Garde has the potential to become a crucial point of departure for the next generation of theatre scholars. At the very least, it will be an invaluable point of reference for anyone studying the experimental practices of the historical European avant-garde. Berghaus's book is written with exceptional clarity and with an admirable devotion to historical detail. It is meticulously researched and will be of interest to both beginning and advanced scholars of the theatrical avant-garde."--James Martin Harding, University of Mary Washington
Synopsis
How did the concept of the avant-garde come into existence? How did it stimulate developments in the performing arts? Written in a clear, engaging style, and supported by text boxes throughout, this volume presents some of the general characteristics of postwar avant-garde performance and gives detailed coverage to some of the most influential artists. Berghaus also explores hot topics such as multimedia and body art performances, making this text ideal for students of theater studies and performance.
Synopsis
How did the concept of the avant-garde come into existence? How did it impact on the performing arts? How did the avant-garde challenge the artistic establishment and avoid the pull of commercial theatre, gallery and concert-hall circuits? How did performance artists respond to new technological developments?
Placing key figures and performances in their historical, social and aesthetic context, G nter Berghaus offers an accessible introduction to post-war avant-garde performance. Written in a clear, engaging style, and supported by text boxes and illustrations throughout, this volume explains the complex ideas behind avant-garde art and evocatively brings to life the work of some of its most influential performance artists.
Covering hot topics such as multi-media and body art performances, this text is essential reading for students of theatre studies and performance.
Synopsis
The volume examines the performance aesthetics of four major art movements--Expressionism, Futurism, Dadaism, and Constructivism. After outlining the origins and general characteristics of the historical avant-garde, this study offers detailed coverage of key performances undertaken by artists, usually outside the conventional theatre environment. Gunter Berghaus identifies paths and trajectories through a complex artistic terrain, often referred to as Art Performances, and surveys trends and events that had a fundamental influence on the development of a modern theatre practice.
About the Author
Günter Berghaus is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol. He has held positions at the University of Rio de Janeiro and at Brown University and has published over a dozen books and a large number of articles on avant-garde performance, theatre anthropology, dance history, and Renaissance and Baroque theatre. He has directed numerous plays from the classical and modern repertoire and holds research awards from the Polish Academy of Sciences, the German Research Foundation, the Italian Ministry of Culture, the British Academy, and the Brazilian Ministry of Education.
Table of Contents
Foreword * The Genesis of Modernity and of the Avant-Garde * Towards an Avant-garde Performance Practice in the Early 20th Century * From Late Modernism to Postmodernism * Happening and Fluxus Body Art, Ritualism and Neo-Shamanic Performances * Video and Multi-Media Performance * Performances in Cyberspace * Epilogue * Index
Foreword * The Genesis of Modernity and of the Avant-Garde * Towards an Avant-garde Performance Practice in the Early 20th Century * From Late Modernism to Postmodernism * Happening and Fluxus Body Art, Ritualism and Neo-Shamanic Performances * Video and Multi-Media Performance * Performances in Cyberspace * Epilogue * Index