In this book Erika Fischer-Lichte traces the emergence of performance as an art event in its own right. In setting performance art on an equal footing with the traditional art object she heralds a new aesthetics. The peculiar mode of experience that a performance provokes
- blurring distinctions between artist & audience body & mind art & life
- is here framed as the breeding ground for a new way of understanding performing arts & through them even wider social & cultural processes. With an introduction by Marvin Carlson this translation of the original Asthetik des Performativen addresses key issues in performance art experimental theatre & cultural performances to lay the ground for a new appreciation of the artistic event.