The Loss of Small White Clouds: Dementia in Contemporary Performance (Routledge Series in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Theatre and Performance) - Softcover

Batch, Morgan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1032252022 ISBN 13: 9781032252025

Publisher: Routledge, 2024

Synopsis

This volume seeks to instigate a discussion about dementia in theatre.

The discussions in this book borrow from the literature on dementia’s representation in other artforms, while reflecting on theatre’s unique capacity to incorporate multiple artforms in a live context (hypermediacy). The author examines constructions of diegesis and the use of various performance tools, including physical theatre, puppetry, and postdramatic performance. She discusses stage representations of interior experiences of dementia; selfhood in dementia; the demarcation of those with dementia from those without; endings, erasure, and the pursuit of catharsis; placelessness and disruptions of traditional dramatic constructions of time; and ultimately, performances creatively led by people with dementia. The book traces patterns of narrativisation on the stage―including common dramaturgical forms, settings, and character relationships―as well as examples that transcend mainstream representation.

This book is important reading for theatre and performance students, scholars, and practitioners, as well as cultural studies writers engaged in research about narratives of dementia.

About this title

About the Author

Morgan Batch is a Sessional Academic with the Creative Industries Faculty at Queensland University of Technology, Australia.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1032252022
• ISBN 13: 9781032252025
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 242