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Sramana Banerjee, Independent Scholar, IndiaAbstract
Silence in performance has often been explored in theatre, yet its role in dance remains an under-examined study area. While theatre can exist as a standalone medium, dance and music often rely on additional elements to create meaning. This paper investigates silence as an active choreographic element in dance, examining how movement, stillness, and the absence of sound contribute to performance dynamics. By questioning how silence is embodied in movement, this study explores whether silence in dance functions merely as an absence of sound or if it extends beyond that, shaping the performer’s expression and the audience’s perception. In this paper, we examine a few productions, such as Peter Brook’s concept of “The Empty Space” and the works of choreographers such as Chandralekha, Akram Khan, and Astad Deboo; their modern approaches and use of the element of silence in the way they have perceived, observed, and analysed in the performance space. Additionally, this paper will also explore the influence of culture and regional context on the use of elements in productions, the style of dance (whether classical or folk), and, of course, the treatment of space and techniques. Methodologically, this study employs performance analysis, choreographic case studies, and audience reception studies to understand how silence is choreographed and received. Through this lens, the paper aims to reveal how dance can convey meaning through silence, creating an immersive experience that transcends verbal or musical articulation.
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Conference: BAMC2025Stream: Performing Arts Practices: Theater
This paper is part of the BAMC2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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