Richard Schechner

Definition

Richard Schechner is a prominent performance theorist and scholar known for his work in defining and expanding the field of performance studies. His theories emphasize the social, cultural, and ritualistic aspects of performance, encouraging a broader understanding of what constitutes performance beyond traditional theater.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Schechner founded the influential journal 'The Drama Review' in 1965, which became a platform for exploring performance theory and practice.
2. He coined the term 'restored behavior' to describe how performances often mimic or transform real-life actions and rituals into a theatrical context.
3. His work integrates concepts from anthropology and sociology, linking performance to social structures and community identity.
4. Schechner's book 'Performance Studies: An Introduction' is a foundational text that outlines key concepts and methodologies in the field.
5. He emphasizes the importance of 'liminality,' drawing from Victor Turner's work on rites of passage, suggesting that performance can create transformative experiences for both participants and audiences.

Review Questions

• How does Richard Schechner's concept of 'restored behavior' expand our understanding of performance in everyday life?
  • Richard Schechner's concept of 'restored behavior' suggests that everyday actions can be seen as performances when they are repeated or presented in a particular context. This expands our understanding by highlighting how mundane activities, like greetings or rituals, can take on new meanings when viewed through a performative lens. It encourages us to consider the layers of intention and interpretation that shape our interactions in daily life.
• Discuss how Richard Schechner's integration of anthropological perspectives influences his approach to performance studies.
  • Schechner's integration of anthropological perspectives into performance studies allows for a more nuanced examination of how cultural practices shape and are shaped by performance. By viewing performances as social rituals embedded in cultural contexts, he encourages an analysis that considers not just the artistic elements but also the societal implications. This interdisciplinary approach fosters a deeper understanding of community identities and collective memory as they relate to performance.
• Evaluate Richard Schechner's impact on contemporary performance studies and its relevance to current social movements.
  • Richard Schechner's impact on contemporary performance studies is profound as he has opened up discussions around the role of performance in reflecting and shaping social realities. His focus on ritualistic elements in performance resonates with current social movements that utilize performance as a means of protest and community building. By framing performances as spaces for negotiation of identity and power dynamics, Schechner's theories remain crucial for analyzing how performances engage with pressing social issues today.

Related terms

Performance Studies: An interdisciplinary field that examines performance in various contexts, including theater, dance, rituals, and everyday life, focusing on the act of performing and its cultural significance.

Ritual: A formalized sequence of actions often imbued with symbolic meaning, which can be seen in religious ceremonies or cultural practices, central to understanding Schechner's ideas about performance.

Environmental Theater: A performance style that emphasizes the relationship between performers and their environments, often breaking down the traditional boundaries between audience and performer, a concept championed by Schechner.