Navigating in Overlaps: Redefining Performance Space as Multi-Space

Stijn Brinkman

In this study it is advocated to perceive performance space as overlapping multiple spatial layers, all existing in the same moment, but all with different boundaries. A triangle of performer, audience and surroundings creates performance space together as co-players by activating spatial layers and redrawing spatial boundaries. A new term is coined to better understand the unstable, moving nature of performance space: multi-space. To deal with the concept of multi-space in actual performances, the use of the verbs ‘navigate’ and ‘zoom in/out’ are advocated. Embedded in this study is an exposition of the artistic projects of Stijn Brinkman, in which the concept of multi-space is tested as new tool to create performances with more exploration, agency, imagination, and movement. By finding a way for performers to disappear and to be present at the same time, the domination of walls and the domination of a performer's body (both apparent in many traditional performances) are challenged. The concepts of multi-space, navigate and zoom in/out stimulate audiences to engage more with their surroundings, while helping performers to shape their ideas always through site-specific processes.

REFERENCES

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John Berger, Ways of Seeing, BBC Documentary (1972) part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7wi8jd7aC4
John Berger, Ways of Seeing, BBC Documentary (1972) part 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jTUebm73IY

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