[proposal draft]WHEN RABBITS DO NOT EAT CARROT ANY MORE
-THE APPLICATION OF AUTHROPOMORPHISM
IN CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE
Leaving aside the science, human's knowledge of the unknown outer world always depends on the imagination, which could be understand as the intellectualization in certain degree. We hope that the external world (non smart body) happen and develop in the same way with us (smart body), not only because of the satisfaction of our curiosity we need also that is the only way we can have the resonance with non human.
"Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings, phenomena, material states and objects or abstract concepts. Examples include animals and plants and forces of nature such as winds, rain or the sun depicted as creatures with human motivation able to reason and converse. "
To be specific, which aspects does "anthropomorphism" play?
Putting the life, shape, appearance, characteristics, emotions, personality traits etc. into non-human creatures.
How to explain "anthropomorphism" in performance?
Anthropomorphic animals are often represented by actors in costumes and makeup (e.g. wearing mask, prop or fur coat) , and performed in imitation ( e.g. movement, sound)
What is the function of anthropomorphism?
Anthropomorphised animals can stand as commonly recognised types of human behaviour, in performance. In this way, the performance will engage the audience in three aspects: vitality, newness and resonance.
Which kind of non human creatures wanted to choose? And why?
Animals. Human were evolved from ape man (animals), so that could be so many common points between the two. In addition, using actors (modern people) to perform animals (ancient people), that is not the change in position, also the change in time.
Is there any artistic form related with/ can be used for anthropomorphism?
1, Animation.
in plane (e.g. Doraemon), in 3D (e.g. Toy Story), in puppet (e.g. Sesame Street), in person (e.g. The Lion King)
2, Fable.
In storytelling (e.g. Crosstalk), in live-art ( e.g. Cosplay), in comedy...
reference:
Peter Mayle (2000) A Dog's Life.
Steve Baker (1996) The Postmodern Animal.
