Palgrave Macmillan Performance Philosophy Series [Forthcoming, 2019]

This book investigates the intersection of Pragmatist Philosophy, Contemporary Performance, and Ecstatic Pentecostalism as practiced in Southern Appalachia. John Dewey’s theory of inquiry informs an approach to interdisciplinary performance research which draws on cultural history, dance history, theology, ethnographic fieldwork, and studio practices. The history of ecstatic embodiment in Protestant Christianity is considered as is work by contemporary choreographers who have been intrigued by the Shakers, a utopian Protestant sect which believed divine possession was an integral part of their communal way of life. In addition, historical research on Pentecostalism and fieldwork in four rural Pentecostal churches reveals a distinctive approach to ritual dramaturgy and a theologically-informed understanding of embodiment that is performatively manifested as sacred speech, ecstatic movement, physical healing and, in some cases, snake-handling. An account of embodied research details a ritualistic approach to producing dissociative states and informs critical engagement with William James’ work on conversion experience and mystical consciousness. The research raises epistemological, ethical, theological, and socio-political issues that factor into the choreographic and dramaturgical strategies of a post-dramatic dance theater work on Pentecostalism called Later Rain. The book concludes with a discussion of performance philosophy and argues that Later Raincontributes to the philosophy of religion. 

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