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'Challenging embodied perceptions: Anthropology in practice' Workshop - 30th April &1st May 2012

(18 April 2012)

Embodiment, senses, perception and experience have been increasingly researched in anthropology, yet their exploration in practice remains largely a matter for performative disciplines. This two day workshop will create innovative links between theoretical and practical knowledge (and methods), developed within the complementary fields of performance and anthropology.

The workshop comprises of practical exercises undertaken individually or in small groups. These exercises were primarily developed in drama or dance theatre to help actors establish connection, presence and genuine expression. During the workshop Radharani will use these performative strategies to aid an in-depth understanding of interpersonal dynamics. This enables participants to explore how social relations and individual's agency are not only observed and analysed by the 'other', but above all practiced, deconstructed and re-patterned by ourselves.

The workshop aims to give anthropologists tools to help them to embody their own knowledge about embodiment, demonstrating an alternative approach to anthropological methods of doing fieldwork, and providing an alternative ground for being and understanding what it is to be a social agent, or put simply - human.

For more information or to register for this workshop, please contact Sally Atkinson at s.a.atkinson@durham.ac.uk by Friday 27th April 2012.

The workshop is free of charge, 15 places are available and will be allocated on a 1st come 1st served basis. Participants are asked wherever possible to attend both days. The sessions require no dance experience and are suitable for any fitness level