Performing Space and Performativity: Two Case Studies from the Epidaurus Festival

This paper explores the concept of “performing space,” emphasising its dynamic nature and its role as an active participant in the artistic process, rather than a passive backdrop. The term “performing” is unpacked through its connection to action and performativity, drawing on Austin’s theories of performative utterances, Peirce’s notion of the living sign, and Schechner’s environmental theatre. The discussion introduces a formalist definition of performance and its derivatives (performativity, perform, performing), refining the semantic field concerning the process of “producing a form.” Two case studies illustrate the transformative power of performing spaces: Marmarinos’ Trackers and Papaphilippou’s Sacred Tales, both presented at the 2021 Athens and Epidaurus Festival. Marmarinos’ production at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is framed as a performative space that integrates music, movement, and dramaturgical elements to create an immersive environment that encourages audience interaction. The dynamic choreography, sound design, and spatial engagement dissolve the boundaries between performance and spectator, highlighting the interplay between narrative, space, and temporality. In contrast, Papaphilippou’s Sacred Tales uses an installation of interconnected strings in the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus to symbolise unity and interconnectivity between the audience and nature, framed within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This performance, grounded in environmental theatre principles, transcends the physical space of the theatre, fostering a sense of temporal and cosmic awareness. By engaging with the strings, spectators actively participate in the performance, experiencing a collective connection. Both examples underscore the notion that performing spaces are living entities, shaped by the interaction of performers, spectators, and the surrounding environment, offering new perspectives on the relationship between performance and space.