Theories of embodiment in performance studies
Seminar by André Lepecki
This seminar is a follow-up to the open lecture "Performance and corporeality" and it aims at critically discussing some theoretical texts and artworks which have expanded the concept of embodiment.
Particular emphasis will be given to recent practices in performance art and experimental dance, where it becomes clear how a critique of embodiment is a fundamental step towards a general critique of economy, property, authorial function and political authority in neo-liberal capitalism.
Dance critic and curator working mainly in the field of performance studies, choreography and dramaturgy. Lecturer at the Faulty of Performance Studies and the University in New York.
His texts are published in various types of periodicals, he is also the author and co-editor of several important publications on performance arts. Lepecki is a curator of exhibitions and performance art festivals, including the reconstruction of the happening by Allan Kaprow “18 Happenings in 6 Parts” which received awards during the Performa festival in 2009. In 2010, together with Stephanie Rosenthal, Lepecki was the co-curator of the Archive of Dance and Visual Arts from 1960 until present days, which constituted part of the exhibition entitled: “Move: Choreographing You” in Hayward Gallery in London. Lepecki is the author of the following publications: anthology entitled “Dance”(2013), “Exhausting Dance” (2006), and the editor of “Planes of Composition” (with Jenn Joy, 2009), “The Senses in Performance” (with Sally Banes, 2007) and “Of the Presence of the Body” (2004). He is also a member of curator teams of several academic periodicals from the area of performance arts, like “Performance Research” (UK), “Dance Research Journal” (USA), “Choreographic Practices” (UK), ”Revista Dança” (Brazil). His publications on dance and performance are published, among others, in “The Drama Review” (USA), “Artforum” (USA), “October” (USA), “Nouvelles de Danse” (France).