Performances in public space 08-KUDU-MA-PPS

Presentation of different approaches towards the concept of "public space"
Places of the performances – from public to private
Places of the performances – from public to private (and back)
Outside the building – why and what for?
Street theatre – reclaiming of public nature of street.
From street theatre to theatre in public spaces.
Performance as a public act.
Performing democracy – Polish theatre in non- theatrical spaces.
Subversive potential of performing in public.
Subversive potential of performing in public.
Contemporary pracices – between subversive and normative practices.
Contemporary pracices – between subversive and normative practices.
Street Arts – impact of performance on urban development.

Module learning aims

To familiarize students with the concepts of the public sphere and its shaping through the ages (Jurgen Habermas, Hannah Atendt, Chantal Mouffe, Janet Reinelt). Tracing how the idea of the public sphere is realized in the perception of public space. The main part of the course is devoted to various artistic tactics and power strategies in shaping the contemporary public sphere implemented in the form of performances - both cultural and artistic. Analyzing the subversive and normative potential of performances in public space using examples taken from the history of European culture, with particular emphasis on the last fifty years.

Information on where to find course materials

The lectorium of the Institute of Cultural Studies

Major

Intercultural communication, Cultural Studies, Faculty of Anthropology and Cultural Studies

Methods of teaching for learning outcomes achievement

The lecture combined with presentations and projections of various cultural performances and analyzing and discussing them together with students.

Course module conducted remotely (e-learning)

none

Student workload (ECTS credits)

Cycle of studies

2nd cycle

Module type

compulsory

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences

Willingness to discuss and explore reality.

Course coordinators

Joanna Ostrowska

Learning outcomes

Student:
is able to understand changes in notion what "public spaces" is and the meaning of use public space as a performing area.
is able to place different performances in public spaces in culture, social and political context.
is able to analyse different performances in public spaces as subversive or normative acts.
knows the history of use public spaces as a site of discipline or contestation.
has the ability to write about performances in public spaces.

Assessment criteria

Oral exam.
It is expected that the student will be able to analyze contemporary cultural performances in public spaces, be able to give examples of subversive and normalizing performances. Will be able to recall concepts regarding changes in the perception of public space.

Practical placement

none

Bibliography

Richard Schechner, Public Domain. New York 1969, pp. 157-180, 201-228.
Hannah Arendt, Human Condition (fragments)
Radical Street Performance (ed. Jan Cohen-Cruz). New York - London 1998, pp.1-13, 74-86, 119-125, 150-160, 179-185, 196-208, 271-289.
Chantal Mouffe, The Return of the Political. London, New York 2005, 1-8.
Art in the Urban Space: Contemporary Creation as a Tool. Paris 2009, 4-8, 15-24.
David Wiles, A Short History of Western Performance Space. Cambridge 2003, 92-131.
Andy Hewitt, Privatizing the Public: Three retorics of art's public good in 'Third Way' Cultural Policy. "Art &the Public Sphere', vol. 1, 2011.
Janelle Reinelt, Rethinking the Public Sphere for a Global Age. "Performance Research", vol. 16, 2011.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 08-KUDU-MA-PPS in USOSweb