TRANSCULTURAL DIALOGUE: LECTURE / DEMONSTRATIONS AT ISTA Cover Image

TRANSCULTURAL DIALOGUE: LECTURE / DEMONSTRATIONS AT ISTA
TRANSCULTURAL DIALOGUE: LECTURE / DEMONSTRATIONS AT ISTA

Author(s): Nicola Savarese
Subject(s): Theatre, Dance, Performing Arts
Published by: Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai
Keywords: ISTA; transcultural dialogue; anthropology; eastern theatrical tradition; western theatrical tradition.

Summary/Abstract: This paper is devoted to the importance of transcultural dialogue in the International School of Theatre Anthropology (ISTA), directed by Eugenio Barba. The transcultural dialogue is promoted through the multiplicity of performance traditions that are at the centre of every session. This kind of dialogue doesn’t negotiate a common ground with the observer beforehand, it doesn’t end in the intermediate space of a conversation timed at eliminating difference by translating the exchanges for the spectators (the intercultural approach) and/or by combining various of them (cultural syncretism). It provokes instead reactions and reflection by presenting authentic performances or scenes without considering the home cultures of either participants or their fellow artists. These transcultural dialogues are predicated upon Eugenio Barba’s notion of professional identity in which he privileges training, craftsmanship, and practical experience over national identity, political and religious beliefs, or individuated personality. The main problem investigated by ISTA is that of the contacts between eastern theatrical tradition and western theatrical tradition, which is also at the centre of the author’s research interests.

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 183-194
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: English