Towards my Imaginary Homeland: Contrapuntal Play Creation and the Palestinian Diaspora

Abstract

In his analysis of modern theatre aesthetics, Hans-Thies Lehmann notes that performance has the ability to "destabilize the spectator's construction of identity and the 'other' " (Lehmann 5). This research project endeavours to test Lehmann's statement by applying it to the hybrid diasporic identity. Through the creation of a postdramatic performance text that focuses on the Palestinian diaspora and what Salman Rushdie refers to the longing for the 'imaginary homeland,' this thesis documents the creation of a performance text inspired by Edward Said's contrapuntal analysis. In the first chapter, I define diaspora and hybridity and I provide the necessary context for my hybrid identity: Palestine and its diaspora. I detail the relationship between postdramatic theatre and identity, and I explore how the hybrid identity can be embodied in performance through an understanding of counterpoint and Said's contrapuntal analysis. In the second chapter, I explain the methods I used to create my performance text and to analyze my research and creative process. Finally, in my third chapter, I articulate the successes and failures of my research process and performance text through a final reflection.