Performing Philosophy/Philosophising Performance (advert reference: ADSS/DRFASS7/53638)

Project Description

Examining intersections between performance and philosophy has become an increasingly fertile area of debate and discourse in recent times. David Kornhaber notes that in the decade since the publication of the collection Staging Philosophy (Krasner and Saltz 2006), that the landscape of this field has changed considerably; there is even talk of a “philosophical turn” in theatre and performance studies (Cull 2013). Numerous publications and research organisations have emerged, amongst which the Performance Philosophy organisation held its inaugural conference in 2013.

This research project welcomes a doctoral researcher to contribute to this growing body of debate and discourse and in particular questions relating to the understanding of performance practice as itself a form of philosophy/thought, rather than as the “object” of philosophical enquiry.
We would welcome an application to conduct either a purely academic programme of research, or to work on a practice-based project.
Potential areas of investigation include but are not limited to:

The relation between Performance and Philosophy
Can and in what ways might the two disciplines meet?
What does it mean to “perform” or “stage” philosophy?

The application of philosophy to performance
How might philosophy be seen as informing or shaping specific performance practices?
In what ways might philosophy be used to “open up” or interpret/analyse specific modes of practice?
What philosophical concepts or ways of thinking might currently be seen as “under-explored” within the context of theatre and performance studies?

The performing/embodiment of philosophy
How might a given philosophical idea be embodied?
How might philosophy, conceived of as “tool-for-living,” connect to modes of preparation and embodiment by actors?
How might practice itself be seen as a way of developing/opening up new modes of philosophical thought?

Informal Enquiries

Enquiries regarding this studentship should be made to: [Email Address Removed]
Tel. (0191) 2273784

Eligibility criteria:

Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (in a relevant subject) from a British higher education institution, or equivalent. Students who are not UK/EU residents are eligible to apply, provided they hold the relevant academic qualifications, together with an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

To apply, contact Andrea Percival to request the appropriate application form, quoting the advert reference above, via email to [Email Address Removed] or by using the application link on this page.

Deadline for applications: 14 April 2014
Start Date: 7 October 2014