For Whom Is the "Invisible" Not Visible?: Reflections on Representation in the Work of Eugenio Barba

Abstract

From 17-22 September 1986 I attended the International School for Theatre Anthropology (ISTA) Congress on The Female Role As Represented on the Stage in Various Cultures organized by Eugenio Barba in Holstebro, Denmark. At this particular ISTA, a great deal of controversy arose among a number of participants. Erika Munk (1986) recently severely criticized the organizational and representational aspects of this ISTA. I will focus on larger issues of representation in performance raised by the Congress and by Barba's writings about performance.' I am not concerned here with Barba's theatre directing.