Abstract

This essay considers Tim Crouch's two most recent plays, ENGLAND and The Author, in relation to the performance spaces for which they were commissioned – respectively, a white-walled art gallery (the Fruitmarket, Edinburgh) and a black box studio theatre (the Royal Court's Theatre Upstairs, London). It examines the ways in which Crouch explores and subverts the ideological particularities of the gallery and theatre space, particularly with respect to conventions around spectatorial response. Building on a distinction drawn by art critic Brian O'Doherty, the essay proposes that the disembodied ‘Eye’ conventionally assumed by both gallery and end-on theatre auditorium is displaced by these plays in favour of an awkwardly materialized Spectator, both emancipated from the collective and implicated in the proceedings.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.