Returning to <i>Jamais Vu</i>: Uncanny Encounters in the Live Art Archive and in the Flesh

Elaine O'Sullivan

doi:10.21476/PP.2017.33133

Authors

Elaine O'Sullivan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21476/PP.2017.33133

Keywords:

Anne Seagrave, Live Art, Uncanny, Re-enactment, Spectatorship

Abstract

This paper explores returning to a performance, again and again, over an extended time frame, to re-imagine and re-view the piece. It focuses on a performance entitled Jamais Vu (2005–2007) by live artist Anne Seagrave. I analyse my personal encounter with the work over time, arguing for the significance of this durational approach, and of this artist/artwork for performance philosophy. I return to the work via writing/rewriting and performing/re-performing based on archival documents and embodied memory.

Author Biography

Elaine O'Sullivan

Dr Elaine O’Sullivan is an early-career researcher with a PhD in Theatre & Performance Studies from the University of Bristol. Her thesis focused on the movement-based performance work of live artist Anne Seagrave. This research was funded by an NUI (National University of Ireland) Denis Phelan Scholarship, and an NUI Travelling Studentship in the Humanities & Social Sciences. Currently, she is developing work at the intersection of contemporary performance, mindfulness and philosophy. She is Assistant Editor of Choreographic Practices Journal.

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