An enquiry into the use of performative events in the conceiving of community: that being the achievement of group affirmation through the performed personalisation of a localised space-time.

Alcock, William Ray (2025). An enquiry into the use of performative events in the conceiving of community: that being the achievement of group affirmation through the performed personalisation of a localised space-time. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the application of performance in conceiving a personal faith in a community that is no more than a moment of play endowed with fleeting significance. To aid a consideration of the material presented, it employs a triadic chronotope based model to demonstrate an actor's sharing (staging) a performance, the psychological impact (scripting) that defines one’s role, and the personal positioning (seeing) that drives the situating of that role. Each part is introduced with an example drawn from the wider world of performance, to then be supplemented by references to the views of thirty five individuals on the role of performances in their community. The outcome from the three inter related elements of the chronotope is seen to be influenced by the adoption of either an eastern or western ontological position. With positioning in mind, this work progresses towards an appreciation of Deleuze's concept of the Fold, and the possibility it affords for the application of a performance centred ontology that is reliant on the individual alone. Crucial to an appreciation of this thesis is the engagement of the reader as performer, for to interpret this text is as with any, the scripting a personal experience of a transient community.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):