CFP - Science and Theatre: Exchanging Ideas in the Cultural Market (CATR Conference at Congress 2015; May 30-June 2, 2015)
From Brecht's gestus for a scientific age to Michael Chekhov's psychological gesture, theatre has been shaped by science's increasing cultural capital. This seminar examines how theatre and science interact as cultural institutions; how their perceived cultural and intellectual capital converges and diverges; and also how the two erroneously polarized disciplines work as a singular, dynamic system. This seminar hopes to uncover the advantages and disadvantages of using science in theatre studies and theatre-making: is it really beneficial or are we just trying to increase the capital of our discipline? This seminar asks participants to submit a 10-12-page paper on the exchange of ideas between science and theatre to generate the greater seminar discussion. Specific topics might include:
• Assessments of science and theatre as cultural institutions
• Examinations of theatre practice that adopt scientific framework
• Close readings of performances, plays, or performance art that are guided by scientific concerns
• New analytic approaches, such as cognitive studies, that use scientific epistemologies or methods to analyse theatre
The 3-hour seminar will include presentations, small group discussions, and a large group discussion, to create potential for future collaboration.
Please send 250-300 word proposals to Derek Gingrich and Sydney Tyber at degin87@yorku.ca and styber@yorku.ca. Deadline for submission is January 15, 2015.