Other-orientedness: A practical tool for performance spirituality

Abstract

In this article, I present the concept of other-orientedness, the intention of focusing on one’s co-performer(s) and their impulses. I introduce this concept as a tool for performance spirituality, which I understand as a certain attitude that can underpin performance practice and pedagogy, an attitude that enables the performer to perform from a centre that is not referred to as ‘self’ but transcendent of the self. I argue that such a performance spirituality can be helpful to performers, not only to create more meaningful performance experiences, but also in the contexts of the postmodern societies and the globalized world we live in. In this article, I therefore also critique the current position of trained performers who, as I claim, have suffered from the influence of a performance industry with a persistent self-directed focus which impedes performance spirituality. I suggest reflecting on that performance industry and increasing empathy levels in both rehearsal or performance contexts is necessary.