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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 10 page paper examines the historical approach to performance studies and illustrates how the emergence of a multi-disciplinary approach has benefitted this research. Furthermore, the benefits of such an approach are discussed and outlined, as major contributors to this philosophy are outlined throughout the research. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Page Count:
10 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_GSPerman.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
field provides insight not only into the nature of performance itself but also into its symbiotic relationship with anthropology. In this way, we come to understand performance studies as
far more than merely a segment of the theatrical arts, but rather as a potent symbolic reality in many different aspects of our lives. As a society, we therefore
are able to learn much about our past and better understand our future through linking these two concepts together under the guise of performance.
Performance is evident within the nature of man, making performance then a reflexive act as opposed to only a practiced, theatrical behavior (Schechner). Performance is closely
linked with anthropology as well, by applying an analysis of human similarities that unite all people in all times from all geographic locations (Fortier). Sub-fields of anthropology are often
employed to assist with this analysis: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and social/cultural anthropology (Fortier). Therefore, it is the application of anthropology to the understanding of performance that
allows us to understand performance as being an inherently human activity (Schechner). More specifically, anthropologically speaking, we realize that performance is
rooted in the behaviors of pre-historic man and has played a primary role in the evolution of human cognitive functions (Beeman). In this way, performance is an essential aspect
of the ability of humans to communication with one another, and understanding this ability requires the understanding of language and other human behaviors (Beeman). In the end, performance pervades
all aspects of our lives and all institutions of our society (Beeman). Central to the understanding of the relationship between anthropology
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