The idea of identity and stereotyping interested us as a group. We explored this notion through discussion and considered ways in which we could put this  into performance. Our intention is to find out if in fact people’s preconceptions about others, particularly those based around appearance and a sense of identity prove to be correct. Stuart Sim describes how postmodernism has changed our attitude towards our individuality. He states ” For postmodernists, the subject is a fragmented being who has no essential core of identity and is to be regarded as a process in a continual state of dissolution rather than a fixed identity”(2005, p.366). This corroborates with the concept that we have become accustomed to using stereotypes to identify people and their beliefs rather than their personality and traits that have endured for longer. Why is this? Is it because we have become such a technologically-ridden society that we are unable to look beyond the external mechanics of an object or person. This attitude is passive and we seem to be losing the ability to be unique due to the constant pressures to conform.

What is identity?

Through our performance we propose for one audience member to be present at a time. They are asked to choose one individual out of the five on the screen, who they want to see perform. The performers will not be dressed according to their personality, therefore the audience’s perception of a person will be solely on their appearance and what they perceive the performer to do. For instance, one person will be dressed in underwear, but in performance the lights will be turned off and they will be given headphones in which the performer will be describing actions to them through voice rather than visually. Another possibility is to have one of us perform the story of another person in the group. For example, “I am Gina and I am going to be playing the part of Kristian.” We hope this will be more powerful in its efforts than if they told their own story, as the audience will question and perhaps become frustrated at their lack of reaction when someone else is describing a significant part of their life.

Gina Radford

384 words

Works Cited

Malpass, Simon(2005) The Routledge Companion to Postmodernism, Oxon: Routledge