ROBERT WILSON AND POSTMODERNISM

Robert Wilson and Postmodernism

Robert Wilson and Postmodernism

Introduction

Postmodernism is a body of philosophy, methodology, and critical review of contemporary society that encompasses a variety of standpoints (Bigneil 2000, p. 39). Although there is little consensus on its origins, the concept of postmodernism began to be used in the late 19th century. It has been embraced by a wide variety of fields, including architecture, visual art, literature, philosophy, political science, sociology, fashion, and many others (Bigneil 2000, p. 39). In the postmodern era, two primary philosophical positions compete for dominance: objectivism and constructivism. Postmodernists attribute objectivism, which is the notion that we can objectively determine reality, discover universal truths, and make sound decisions based on our findings, to modernity (Bigneil 2000, p. 39). For postmodernists, objectivism is an illusion. Rather, constructivism, the notion that individuals live in unique realities and construct these realities based on the situation in which they find themselves (e.g., race, class, gender, social context), provides a more comprehensive intellectual platform from which we can understand the nature of reality. For postmodernists, there is no universal truth but rather billions of distinctive truths (Bigneil 2000, p. 39).

Like the terms modernity and modernism, the term postmodernism generally indicates both a historical period and an intellectual position in any given field (Birringer 1991, p. 24). Simply, the postmodern historical period followed modernity and is associates closely with rapid advancements in technology, increased surveillance, rapidly accelerating globalization, atomisation, increasing social disconnection between people and places, and the increasingly rationalised, bureaucratic state (Birringer 1991, p. 24). In theory, the postmodern condition is related to society's generalised angst and confusion about the world and individuals' perception that they are unable to control, or even make sense of, their own destinies (Birringer 1991, p. 24). In concise modernity's grand narrative has evaporated in the postmodern period. The evaporation of the grand narrative or the murder of reality has led to a great deal of social angst and uncertainty (Birringer 1991, p. 24).

Discussion

Although there is little consensus on its origins, the concept of postmodernism began to be used in the late 19th century and has been embraced by a wide variety of fields, including architecture, visual art, literature, philosophy, political science, sociology, fashion, and many others (Brecht 1994, p. 15). In the postmodern era, two primary philosophical positions compete for dominance: objectivism and constructivism. Interpreting and applying postmodern thinking in the social sciences is no easy chore. However, one way to begin thinking about its application in the social sciences is to think about the possibility that the dominant narratives may not be accurate. It is important to note that they are not the only important stories that need to be told in order to maintain social cohesion.

Robert Wilson

Robert Wilson has left a deep impression as a dominant force in experimental theatre. His work defies traditional categories and covers the roles of director, screenwriter, actor, painter, and choreographer. By using text and images, and light and sound; his style transcends the conventional forms ...