Abstract
Central connections between performance studies theory with current practices in ethnographic fieldwork are giving rise to new ways of understanding all aspects of the performance process. Performance ethnography weaves together traditional methods of theatrical production with emerging new understandings of ethnographic fieldwork. The intersection of methodologies introduces new accountabilities and responsibilities for performance participants. The term witness, for example, may offer explanatory power when discussing the altered roles and accountabilities of participants within performance ethnography. This essay explores different applications of the term witness, placing these applications in dialogue to determine the potential witnessing holds for describing the kind of experience available to performance ethnography participants. The essay applies the witnessing concept to an upcoming production of Grand Isle Stories, a performance script based on interviews collected in the field.
Journal Title
Iowa Journal of Communication
Volume
33
Issue
1
First Page
22
Last Page
37
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Doyle, Dennis M.
(2001)
"The Role of Witnessing in Performance Ethnography,"
Iowa Journal of Communication: Vol. 33:
No.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijc/vol33/iss1/6
Copyright
©2001 Iowa Communication Association
