Audience as participant

Definition

The term 'audience as participant' refers to a dynamic where the audience is actively engaged in the performance, rather than being passive observers. This interaction can take various forms, from influencing the direction of the performance to physically participating in the choreography itself. This concept emphasizes the relationship between performers and their audience, highlighting how this engagement can enhance the experience and meaning of the work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Cunningham's work, the audience often has the opportunity to choose their own viewing perspective, which encourages personal interpretations and active engagement.
2. The concept of 'audience as participant' challenges traditional boundaries of performance by inviting spectators to become part of the artistic process.
3. Cunningham utilized technology, such as live video feed, to enhance audience interaction and transform their role from passive viewers to active participants.
4. This approach aligns with postmodern dance principles that emphasize experimentation and the blurring of lines between performer and observer.
5. Engaging the audience as participants can create a more immersive experience, prompting emotional responses and fostering a deeper connection with the performance.

Review Questions

• How does Merce Cunningham's choreography embody the concept of 'audience as participant'?
  • Merce Cunningham's choreography embodies 'audience as participant' by inviting viewers to choose their vantage point during performances. This freedom allows audience members to interact with the performance space and engage with the dancers in a more personal way. By breaking away from traditional seating arrangements and emphasizing individual perspectives, Cunningham shifts the role of the audience from passive observers to active participants who shape their own experience of the dance.
• Discuss how the chance method used by Cunningham facilitates audience participation in his works.
  • The chance method used by Cunningham facilitates audience participation by introducing unpredictability into performances. By employing random processes to create choreography, each performance becomes unique, encouraging audiences to engage with what they see in real-time. This randomness allows spectators to react spontaneously to the movement on stage, thereby becoming part of the experience rather than just observing it. The interactivity fosters a sense of community between performers and viewers.
• Evaluate the impact of involving audiences as participants in dance performances on the evolution of contemporary dance.
  • Involving audiences as participants has significantly impacted contemporary dance by challenging traditional norms and redefining relationships between performers and spectators. This shift has led to greater experimentation with form, space, and interaction in dance. By engaging audiences actively, choreographers have opened up new avenues for artistic expression and interpretation, creating a more inclusive atmosphere that fosters dialogue around art. The evolution toward participatory practices has enriched contemporary dance, making it a more collaborative and dynamic art form.

Related terms

Merce Cunningham:

An influential American dancer and choreographer known for his innovative approaches to dance, particularly his use of chance methods and the integration of technology.

Chance Method: A technique developed by Merce Cunningham that involves using random processes to create choreography, often allowing for unpredictability and spontaneity in performances.

Site-specific performance: A type of performance designed to take place in a specific location, often engaging with the environment and inviting audience participation in unique ways.