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This practical, accessible and far-reaching guide to making site-specific theatre and performance emphasises the diversity of approaches to the practice, and explores key principles of space and site. Phil Smith draws on a wide range of interdisciplinary and international performance examples, and uses an innovative variety of exercises, to show students and aspiring performance-makers how to find a site and generate a performance beyond the theatre building.
List of contents
List of Illustrations
Arriving: a fluid sort of prologue
Part I: Finding a site
1.Why make Site
Specific Performance?
2.Drifting and quest: in search of sites
3.Journey performances
4.What is a site?
Part II: Generating Performance
5.Visiting your site
6.Site Aesthetics
7.Personae, presences, characters
Part III: Shaping A Production
8.Dramaturgy
9. Scenographies and Enchanted Objects
10. Communities, Audiences and Immersion
11. Technology
12.Site Etiquette
Bibliography
About the author
Phil Smith is Associate Professor (Reader) at Plymouth University, UK. He is a performance-maker, writer and ambulatory researcher. He is a core member of Wrights & Sites and co-author of their ‘The Architect-Walker’ (2018), and company dramaturg for Munich-based TNT Theatre. His previous publications include ‘Rethinking Mythogeography in Northfield, Minnesota’ (2018, with photographer John Schott), ‘Anywhere’ (2017), ‘Walking Stumbling Limping Falling’ (2017, with poet Alyson Hallett), ‘A Footbook of Zombie Walking’ and ‘Walking’s New Movement’ (2015), ‘On Walking’ and ‘Enchanted Things’ (2014), ‘Counter-Tourism: The Handbook’ (2012) and ‘Mythogeography’ (2010).
Summary
This practical, accessible and far-reaching guide to making site-specific theatre and performance emphasises the diversity of approaches to the practice, and explores key principles of space and site. Phil Smith draws on a wide range of interdisciplinary and international performance examples, and uses an innovative variety of exercises, to show students and aspiring performance-makers how to find a site and generate a performance beyond the theatre building.
Foreword
This textbook is a practical, accessible and far-reaching guide to making site-specific theatre and performance which emphasises the diversity of approaches to the practice, by drawing on a wide range of interdisciplinary and international performance examples.
Additional text
An invaluable resource for artists and teachers; combining insightful scholarship, creative exercises, and revealing accounts of practice. Perfect for those studying or making performance, within and beyond a range of practices including site-specific, immersive, walking and outdoor art practices.
