On the Origins of Theater

This book presents an interdisciplinary investigation into the emergence of the actor and the theater. It explains the role of bipedality, toolmaking and trance in the evolution of the performer, examines the performativity of space and writing, and argues that ancient culture emerged from dance.

Autorentext

Miroslaw Kocur is Professor at the University of Wroclaw and L. Solski Theater Academy for the Dramatic Arts. His research focuses on studying acting techniques and reconstructing the origins of performing practices.

Inhalt

Contents: Performances in Bali - Wayang kulit - Cremation - Trance - Mask - Bipedality - Gesticulation - Mirror neurons - Mimesis - Paleoperformances - Tools - Extended mind - Burying the dead - Chauvet cave - Lascaux - Göbekli Tepe - Çatalhöyük - Theater of Dionysus - Emergence of writing, dance, transformation, actor - Tibet.