Semiotics of Performances

<p><b>What is a live performance? And why is semiotics the best approach for the analysis and interpretation of the performing arts?</b> <p/>Drawing on semiotic developments of the past five decades this book introduces students to the semiotic analysis of live performances and provides them with a clear method for untangling the multimodal complexity of performance from the spectator's point of view. <p/>Presenting live performances as two-way communication processes social events and cognitive and affective experiences each chapter of this highly accessible book begins first with an overview of the basics. This is followed by a case study and moves through to a more advanced discussion accompanied by suggestions for exercises and further reading. Diagrams and flow charts help to clearly illustrate the conceptual tools used in the analytical process and a companion website contains recorded extracts from the live performances discussed in the book which students can use to put their knowledge into practice. The book explores a broad range of performance types from across different cultures including music opera ballet theatre circus mime improvisation and immersion. It offers a guide for understanding the way in which a performance is produced from an initial idea through to the final presentation in front of a live audience and provides the reader with the tools and understanding they need for a successful semiotic analysis of live performance.</p>