Between Local and Global. Teyyam Goes Cyber and Beyond Cover Image

Between Local and Global. Teyyam Goes Cyber and Beyond
Between Local and Global. Teyyam Goes Cyber and Beyond

Author(s): Giorgio De Martino
Subject(s): History, Theatre, Dance, Performing Arts, Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Ancient World
Published by: KSIĘGARNIA AKADEMICKA Sp. z o.o.
Keywords: Teyyam; dance; ritual; trance; possession; performance; Internet; cyberculture

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to introduce the hypothesis that mutations and adaptive behaviors peculiar to teyyam, a trance-possession danced ritual that originated in Kerala (South India), might call into question or falsify our ideas about local and global praxis. This process involves also a martial art, kaḷarippayattu, the Internet, cognitive and neuroscience research on emotion and empathy, and further developments in the so-called “new technologies”. A secondary hypothesis is also advanced, according to which this mutation may also propagate itself by means of contagion, thereby spreading to other performances in the relevant geographical area.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 18
  • Page Range: 23-54
  • Page Count: 32
  • Language: English