This lecture attempts to sketch out some ideas that might assist in developing a theoretical history of performance spectatorship.
It begins by asking how the figure of the spectator – at the theatre, and in wider public situations – might help us understand the formation of subjectivity during the period of bourgeois ascendancy in Europe from the early eighteenth century. It suggests that contemporary experiences of spectatorship cannot fully be understood without a critical re-evaluation of this historical dimension.
The lecture will take place on Thursday February 20 at 18.00.
On Friday, February 21, Nicholas Ridout will moderate a seminar on "Audiences, publics and economics". A registration for this seminar is required. Applications consisting of a bio (max. 300 words) and a brief explanation why you would like to participate in the seminar (max. 500 words) should be sent to: zapisy@artmuseum.pl with "POINTS OF CONVERGENCE" in the subject line. Submissions deadline is February 12, 2014.