The symbiotic relationship between space, place and performance

Abstract

In this essay, the focus will be on how the meanings of space and place played out in Altofest Malta 2018. Lefebvre (1991: 26) underlines that space is a concept; it is also a physical and material space. Lefebvre makes a distinction between abstract space and social spaces, which in this case will mean lived meaningful spaces. Altofest Malta was located in different places around Malta. Places are spaces which have values and meanings stuck to them (Harvey, 1996). Places in Altofest were important because the practices inveigled in them acted as sources of information, and these were incorporated in the performance. Place was also used as a setting, a backdrop in the cultural productions. Space and place have a social and symbolic dimension to them. Space and places do not exist independently of human interaction – they are continuously re-created through social interactions and experiences, norms and meanings. Agnew (1987) and Gieryn (2002) define place as locale, location and sense of place. [Excerpt]