Psychic Drama? Experiencing Altered States of Consciousness in Chinese Theatre

Abstract

This research examines the Altered States of Consciousness (ASCs) experienced among stage actors performing in different traditions of Chinese Theatre and aims to address the following scholarly questions: a) What are the stage actors’ experiences with ASCs during the performance in Chinese theatre? b) How do the stage actors’ experiences with ASCs during the performance in Chinese theatre distinguish themselves from Western theatre? By interviewing the participants from five Chinese theatre traditions, the investigator conducted interpretative phenomenological analysis (subjective perception) and public observation (objective evaluation) in appraising the Chinese dramatic ASCs, and finally, by comparing to the mainstream dramatic ASCs studied within Western theatre. This research will hopefully diversify scholarly understandings of theatrical practices.