This book investigates the implications of technology on identity in embodied performance; the discussion within it forms a forum of debate exploring the interrelationship of and between identities in performance practices, informed by new technologies. This collection considers how identity is formed, de-formed, constructed, deconstructed, blurred and celebrated within diverse approaches to technological performance practices.Digital practices as experimental artworks and performances both serve as critique and have an indirect affect on the social and political. The discussions included in this collection highlight how a redefinition of the latter term comes about in as much as they question the very nature of our accepted ideas and belief systems regarding new technologies. These essays demonstrate how embodied technological practice, as with all avant-garde art, presents itself and any analysis applied to it as an experimental extension of the socio-political and cultural experience of an epoch.

A timely book that identifies the practice of (syn)aesthetics in artistic style and audience response, which helps to articulate the power of experiential practice in the arts. This exciting new approach includes interviews with leading practitioners in of theatre, dance, site-specific work, live art and technological performance practice.

This comprehensive text is the first survey to explore the theory, history and practice of immersive theatre. Charting the rise of the immersive theatre phenomenon, Josephine Machon shares her wealth of expertise in the field of contemporary performance, inviting the reader to immerse themselves within this abundantly illustrated text. The first section of the book introduces concepts of immersion, situating them within a historical context and establishing a clear critical vocabulary for discussion. The second section then presents contributions from a wealth of immersive artists. Assuming no prior knowledge with its critical commentary, this is a rich resource for lecturers and students at all levels and internationally, including undergraduates and post-graduates, as well as practitioners and researchers of contemporary performance. This would also be an ideal text for general enthusiasts and readers with an interest in immersive theatre.

This original and timely collection features writings from international contributors who specialize in digital art and performance practices (including Johannes Birringer, Robert Weschler and Philip Auslander). There are few writings per se that attempt to interrogate the interaction between new technologies and performance practice. Furthermore, none have so far linked the sensuous contact that must exist between the physical and virtual, together with the resultant corporeal transformation. In certain technological practices, physicality is both transcended and ludically inscribed - the play ("jouer") being all. Consequently, digital practices potentiate creative and aesthetic possibilities and demand new perceptive strategies.

Now in paperback and with a new Preface, this collection of writings from international contributors who specialize in a diverse range of digital art and performance practices, surveys various aspects of performance and technology. The discussions interrogate the interaction between new technologies and performance practice. Furthermore, in an innovative way they link the sensuous contact that must exist between the physical and virtual, together with the resultant corporeal transformation. Not only do bodies morph and (de)morph but their identities consequently become destabilized. In certain technological practices, physicality is both transcended and ludically inscribed - the play (jouer) being all. Consequently, digital practices potentiate creative and aesthetic possibilities and demand new perceptive strategies that not only affirm sensate presence but also 'deceive'. The work identifies a new performance practice at the cutting edge of experimentation, and at the same time explores the evolution of new art practices. Especially, practices that are pivotal in alternative and also mainstream performance and popular culture.

"(Syn)aesthetics: Redefining Visceral Performance," now in paperback, offers a new, original theory that describes a range of performance work whilst simultaneously providing a critical discourse for appreciating and analyzing such work. encompassing bodies, space, the written and spoken word and new technologies in performance. Featuring a new Preface which helps to orient readers through the theoretical work in the first part of the book and the original interviews in the second part, the book offers a new way of thinking and talking about experiential practice in the interdisciplinary arts.
This exciting approach incorporates original interviews with leading practitioners in the field of theatre, dance, immersive practice and site-sympathetic work, live art and technological performance practice including Punchdrunk, Shunt, Graeae, Bodies In Flight, Curious, Akram Khan, Naomi Wallace, Kwame-Kwei-Armah, Marisa Carnesky, Linda Bassett and Jo McInnes. These discussions explore the links between theory and practice by clarifying how (syn)aesthetics works across diverse artistic events.
Machon engages a unique and sensual approach to thinking/producing/writing/receiving, which celebrates the continuum of experience that underpins (syn)aesthetic practice and appreciation. (Syn)aesthetics is an empowering new tool for students and practitioners of performance, especially those wary of or inhibited by traditional academic discourse, and provides a critical vocabulary which can be used to describe cutting-edge, visceral and experimental performance practice.

This project investigates the implications of technology on identity in embodied performance, opening up a forum of debate exploring the interrelationship of and between identities in performance practices and considering how identity is formed, de-formed, blurred and celebrated within diverse approaches to technological performance practice.

This comprehensive text is the first survey to explore the theory, history and practice of immersive theatre. Charting the rise of the immersive theatre phenomenon, Josephine Machon shares her wealth of expertise in the field of contemporary performance, inviting the reader to immerse themselves within this abundantly illustrated text. The first section of the book introduces concepts of immersion, situating them within a historical context and establishing a clear critical vocabulary for discussion. The second section then presents contributions from a wealth of immersive artists. Assuming no prior knowledge with its critical commentary, this is a rich resource for lecturers and students at all levels and internationally, including undergraduates and post-graduates, as well as practitioners and researchers of contemporary performance. This would also be an ideal text for general enthusiasts and readers with an interest in immersive theatre.