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The Provocation of the Senses in Contemporary Theatre

Stephen Di Benedetto author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:30th Apr '10

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The Provocation of the Senses in Contemporary Theatre cover

Di Benedetto considers theatrical practice through the lens of contemporary neuroscientific discoveries in this provoking study, which lays the foundation for considering the physiological basis of the power of theatre practice to affect human behavior. He presents a basic summary of the ways that the senses function in relation to cognitive science and physiology, offering an overview of dominant trends of discussion on the realm of the senses in performance. Also presented are examples of how those ideas are illustrated in recent theatrical presentations, and how the different senses form the structure of a theatrical event. Di Benedetto concludes by suggesting the possible implications these neuroscientific ideas have upon our understanding of theatrical composition, audience response, and the generation of meaning.

"A thought-provoking exploration... reminds us forcibly that, at a fundamental, biological level, we are sensing animals before we are rational beings. ...the science is fascinating, and the questions are good ones." --Neal Swettenham, Loughborough University, Modern Drama, 54:2

"An important and timely contribution to the emerging field of cognitive studies and performance." --Theatre Research International, 36.2


"A thought-provoking exploration... reminds us forcibly that, at a fundamental, biological level, we are sensing animals before we are rational beings. ...the science is fascinating, and the questions are good ones." --Neal Swettenham, Loughborough University, Modern Drama, 54:2

"An important and timely contribution to the emerging field of cognitive studies and performance." --Theatre Research International, 36.2

ISBN: 9780415872676

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 630g

238 pages