Durational Performance

Definition

Durational performance refers to a type of performance art that emphasizes the length of time over which an action or series of actions takes place. This form often challenges traditional notions of time in theater, inviting audiences to experience the passage of time and the changes it brings, both in the performance and within themselves. The extended duration can evoke contemplation, fatigue, or engagement, allowing performers and viewers alike to navigate their perceptions of endurance and presence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Durational performances can last from a few hours to several days, pushing both the performers and audience to engage with time differently.
2. This type of performance often involves repetitive actions or rituals, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences of time and presence.
3. Many durational performances explore themes such as endurance, patience, and the relationship between art and everyday life.
4. Artists like Marina Abramović and Tehching Hsieh are known for their influential durational works that challenge audiences to confront physical and mental limits.
5. These performances can create a sense of intimacy between performers and audiences as shared time unfolds in real-time.

Review Questions

• How does durational performance challenge traditional concepts of theater?
  • Durational performance challenges traditional concepts of theater by shifting the focus from plot-driven narratives to the experience of time itself. Instead of adhering to a structured timeframe with beginning, middle, and end, these performances invite audiences to witness prolonged actions that unfold over an extended period. This allows for a deeper engagement with the process and encourages viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of time, presence, and endurance.
• Discuss the role of audience engagement in durational performances compared to more conventional performances.
  • In durational performances, audience engagement differs significantly from conventional performances where viewers are often passive observers. Here, audiences are encouraged to immerse themselves in the unfolding experience, which may require active participation or prolonged observation. This participatory aspect allows for a unique dynamic where audiences may feel a sense of ownership over their experience, as they navigate their reactions to the evolving performance over time.
• Evaluate the impact of artists like Marina Abramović on the development of durational performance as an art form.
  • Marina Abramović has had a profound impact on the development of durational performance by pushing boundaries and exploring themes of endurance, vulnerability, and human connection. Her works often involve extreme physical and emotional challenges that compel audiences to confront their own limits. By integrating her personal experiences with broader societal issues, Abramović has transformed durational performance into a powerful medium for exploring complex human emotions and relationships, influencing countless artists in contemporary performance art.

Related terms

Performance Art: An art form that combines visual art with dramatic performance, often challenging traditional boundaries and engaging the audience in unique ways.

Ephemeral Art: Art that is temporary and exists for a limited time, highlighting the fleeting nature of experiences and often linked to concepts of impermanence.

Site-Specific Performance: A performance created for a particular location, where the environment plays a crucial role in shaping the experience and meaning of the work.