The performative turn in visual performances at the Usta Usta Republika Theatre

Abstract

The performative turn significantly changed autonomy perception of a theatrical work and the understanding of traditional aesthetic categories. Contemporary theater had to undergo a redefinition (Fischer‑Lichte 2008, Sugiera 2014) due to the growing presence of electronic media or mediated communication in theater. Theater is unable – and does not want to – isolate itself from the media sphere. The performatization of theater and changes in creativity are particularly visible in the performances and projects of off‑theaters, also called independent or alternative. The aim of the article is to describe and analyze the virtual performances of the Usta Usta Republika Theater from Poznań, with particular emphasis on the performative turn concept. The issues raised in the text are analyzed through a performance studies, cultural studies, new media and audiovisual communication lenses. The research was based on participant observation, content analysis, desk research, and critical analysis of the literature methods.