15. Spectatorship: Ritual

Ellen Dissanayake describes human art-making as: “Dromena - the sense of behaviour made special.”

The stage performance is a unique ritualised multi-sensorial occasion for the presentation of activities outside the norms and habits of everyday living.

Spectators observe performers - registering facial expressions, body movements, the gestures and handling of props, costumes and instruments. In this the spectator discovers something mysterious and fascinating.

In all types of performance settings the visual and auditory senses remain coupled in constant stimulation.