Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Myhill, Nova
Keywords
Performance, Ritual, Leigh Bowery
Area of Concentration
Humanities
Abstract
Combining semiotic analysis with theater anthropology and performance theory, I seek to unpack the work of contemporary American performance artist Nate Hill. His character-based acts "Death Bear" and "Punch Me Panda" attempt to render service unto the people of New York City, both on its streets and in their homes. This creates an interesting dialectical relationship in his work to space and place--a relationship I explore in order to argue for the efficacy of his services in producing spontaneous cathartic moments for the public. I also attempt to update/modify typologies regarding ritual process and liminal space as established by Richard Schechner, in order to apply them to Hill's work. Other critical theorists I reference include Keir Elam, Erving Goffman, Victor Turner, and Elin Diamond.
Recommended Citation
Hardesty, Juliana, "A Semiotic Analysis of Ritual, Place, & Costume in the Performance Art of Nate Hill" (2012). Theses & ETDs. 4603.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4603