Dramaturgy in Motion: At Work on Dance and Movement Performance (Studies in Dance History)

Katherine is a genius at framing and reframing the artistic process and how the choices we make accumulate, conflict, generate and mature to create rich meaning in our work. Her long tenure with Ralph Lemon gives a beautiful contextual scaffolding for her to share her profound viewpoints. I use sections of this book in literally every class I teach, from Choreography to Directing to Technique. She has the ability to cut through the vagueness that can be associated with the field of Dramaturgy (what IS it?) with insight and specificity without didacticism or leading you to her conclusion. It’s a remarkable book every artist and pedagogue needs on their shelf!!!

This book is a tremendous overview of and deep dive into dramaturgy, in particular how it relates to contemporary choreography. Profeta uses her own extensive experience collaborating with the acclaimed Ralph Lemon to talk through the history of dramaturgy and the role of the dramaturg in service of the work (as research source, living memory, sounding board, creative prompt). Much of the writing is drawn from Profeta's project journals, and that material is grounded in a scholarly literature review. I've been thinking about "kinesthetic empathy" and "target culture" and so many other topics continuously since I read it. And despite the focus on dance, the book's applications are widespread. (I came to it primarily interested in sound, and in sound's role in other fields such as dance, but also film, among other areas.) At its heart, Profeta's book can be thought of as being about the art of collaboration (both one-on-one, and in groups), about the roles we play, the roles we swap, and the work that goes into a successful partnership.

No problem

I found Dramaturgy in Motion to be so enlightening and enriching- both as a theater and movement artist, and also as an audience member. This kind of thoughtful and elucidating writing is rare, and provided me with insight into the creative frameworks and conceptual considerations embedded in contemporary dance.

This book breaks down the creative process into organized, yet dynamic, ideas. It is a book for both thinkers and makers. I can imagine many artists using this as a $28 mentor to join them in the studio again and again. It’s a must-have. Absolutely recommend!!!!