Locating performance : textual identity and the performative

Abstract

The thesis Locating Performance: Textual Identity and the Performative takes the form of a self-interview, which by identifying itself as a performance, points to `the interview' as a structure with both a temporal and physical location beyond the page. Presented in this way the thesis examines the effects of context, time, production and materials on the written word generated within physical circumstances. Relationships between text, identity and attitudes of writing are contextualised through an analysis largely of my own practice but which also considers works by Dan Graham, Chris Burden, Ulay and Abramovic, Susan Collins, Elizabeth Price, Bank, Anne Bean and Rob La Frenais, all of whom acknowledge aspects of physical action in the generation of text. The second volume Writings presents a series of original performance texts written by myself between 1996 and 2000, which, when seen in relation to the discussion presented in Volume 1, represent a three dimensional relationship between performance and writing. Performances 1996-2000 is the third volume and includes works made between 1996 and 2000. Presented as images with supporting texts these examples of practice posit themselves within a tradition of the performance document identified in Volume 1 as a salient characteristic of performance practice since the 1970's. The final volume takes the form of a video document of the performance Soundgaze, which was submitted for PhD examination on 23rd March 2001