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WiSe 14/15: Posthumanism in Theory and Performance

Ramona Mosse

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How can we define theatre and performance that moves beyond the human? What are the aesthetics of the non-human in performance? In this seminar, we will explore various discourses of posthumanism that reshape both how we structure our thought as well as our basic concepts of theatrical performance: be it the body, liveness, the stage, or human identity. By destabilizing the concept of the human as the core marker of aesthetic practice and theoretical exploration, posthumanism has opened up a wide array of new discursive practices and perspectives: eco-criticism, animal studies, or the rise of digital media. In this seminar, our particular focus will be on lie on how to theorize technological media as they reshape our ideas about reality, representation, and the subjectivity. The seminar will be organized around three main topics: 1. Posthumanism and its theoretical roots; 2. Technology and Virtuality; 3. Posthuman bodies and embodiment practices. We will be discussing a range of theoretical texts (e.g. Deleuze, Foucault, Fukuyama, Haraway, Hayles, Heidegger) together with works of drama (e.g. ?apek, Churchill, Ravenhill) as well as exemplary performances and performance artists/ensembles (e.g. Marthaler, Richter, Stelarc, Wooster Group). The final part of our seminar will be practice-based and take place in collaboration with the Computer Science Department. Our goal is to devise a set of short digital performance projects (in place of presentations). This will allow us not only to reflect theoretically and critically but also to engage in the making of a short performance piece within the virtual sphere. The digital performance project will give you additional competencies in computer-based production processes and allow you to explore the possibilities of the digital humanities first hand. You will receive necessary hands-on training in class -please bring a sense of curiosity and willingness to experiment to the seminar. Consistent attendance and active participation in class are a pre-requisite. The seminar includes excursions and visits to current theatre performances. There will be one additional seminar session scheduled at the American Academy on October 14 (evening) but no class on Monday, January 5, 2015. The seminar will be held in English. In order to enable the practice-based performance project, the course size is limited to 15 students. Other requirements: 1 Collaborative Digital Performance Project Discussion Leader (10min) Participation & Discussion Board Postings 1 Final Essay (15-20 pages) close