Ritual Theory and Performance
Mission Statement
The Ritual Theory and Performance Group first met in New Orleans in 1976 and since then has devoted itself to interdisciplinary approaches to ritual and liturgy. Over the years, the areas studied have included cultural anthropology, the sociology of religion, ritual studies, semiotics, linguistics, communications and media. Several other NAAL seminars have spun off from this group.
Convener
Tom Splain, S.J.
Saint Robert's Hall
Bellarmine College Preparatory
960 West Hedding Street
San Jose, California 95125-1215
Splain@Hawaii.edu
2009 Academy Meeting Agenda
We will begin our deliberations in Baltimore by looking at the premise that images of the divine are also kinesthetically experienced in the form of rhythmic patterns and thus play a large role in our expectations and experience of ritual. Moving on, we hope to explore connections social neuroscience and performance theory.
2008 Academy Meeting Agenda
For the last four years, the Ritual Theory and Performance Seminar has been working on three fronts; what brain science can tell us about ritual, current explorations into performance theory and quantitative survey work in conjunction with the University of Nijmegen.
In Savannah, we will begin our deliberations exploring the feasibility of establishing a seminar website that could expand our discussions. We also want to map out our work for the next year or two.
On Saturday, we have a joint session with the Liturgy and Performing Arts seminar to discuss Richard McCall’s book “Do This: Liturgy as Performance.” Any remaining time will be spent on David Hay’s recent publication, “Something There: The Biology of the Human Spirit.”
Number of participants: 15-18
Papers Online
A list of papers developed by members from this seminar will appear here
Previous Seminar Reports
See seminar reports from annual meetings dating back to 2002:
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002