Performativity as a Principle of Contemporary Spectacular Culture: Transformations of the Performative Arts

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to clarify the role of performativity as a principle of organising modern performing culture and to trace its manifestations in the transformations of performing arts. The research methodology: an interdisciplinary approach was applied, combining culturological, art history and socio-cultural analysis. The methods used were: theoretical analysis of scientific sources and literature on the issue of performativity; historical-typological method for tracking transformations of forms and genres; comparative analysis of traditional and modern stage practices; a systematic approach for considering different types of stage art as interconnected components of performative culture. The scientific novelty lies in the interpretation of performativity as a principle that structures modern spectacular culture and determines the transformations of various forms of stage art. A generalised approach to considering theatre, dance, variety, circus and performance as interconnected manifestations of performative culture is proposed. Conclusion. Performativity in modern spectacular culture appears as a defining principle of organising artistic action, which shifts the emphasis from representation to eventfulness, processivity and interaction. Stage arts demonstrate a tendency towards hybridisation, mediatisation and expansion of communication with the viewer, which forms new models of artistic experience. Theatre, dance, pop, circus and performance function in a common cultural field, where performativity provides their dynamics, openness and ability to produce new cultural meanings.