The Dissertation

Title and Topics

An investigation into amateur dramatics as a mode of performance using experimental theatre as a reference point in the form of work by MBD, Reckless Sleepers, Forced Entertainment, Goat Island and The Wooster Group. A critical account and review of Acts of Communion including interviews with other artists.

∑ Presence of pretence

Theatricality as topic. Exposing process. Making visible what is usually not. Off stage is onstage etc.

∑ Absence as substance

Ontology of absence. Exploring the bits in between. What is not there. Negative is Positive space etc.

∑ Self as source

History of author(s). Reflection on experience. Catharsis. (Auto-)biography. Private is Public etc.

∑ Site as source

History of space. Reflection on shared experience of site. Site-specificity. Context is Content etc.

∑ Narratives of nostalgia

History of relationship between author(s) and site. What has changed. Archive. Memory is text etc.