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Play, game and interdisciplinarity: considerations from the floor towards a disciplinary synaesthesia

This paper offers perspectives on the work of the performer taken from research engagement in dance theatre practice. Whilst dance theatre draws upon certain traditions of both dance and theatre, the particular demands placed upon the performer in the interdisciplinary context of dance theatre itself can be seen as possessing elements which are distinct from those practices occupying a significant focus of performer training. Towards highlighting the particular demands of interdisciplinary practice for the performer and the skillset required by such practice, the paper concentrates upon the following areas: the context of performance: working with(in) a constructed liminal meta-actuality; the practice and position of game and play within process and performance; and interdisciplinary working and the idea of ‘disciplinary synaesthesia’. To facilitate this discussion, this paper examines manifestations of play, game and interdisciplinarity in the work of Vincent Dance Theatre (VDT). VDT is used here as an exemplar of contemporary interdisciplinary practice. Reflecting on field research undertaken during the process and performance for VDT’s 2009 piece If We Go On, the paper draws out specific aspects and examples of the performer’s work in support of the points of discussion as noted above.