From mimesis to poiesis: Performing metacommunication in the classroom

Abstract

This activity introduces undergraduate students to the idea of metacommunication by means of a performance praxis assignment. Students will engage in a performance that enhances their communication skills and better understand how the frames of mimesis and poiesis are utilized to understand communication form and context.

Courses

A single-class exercise, for use in introductory undergraduate performance courses or any course that wishes to introduce metacommunication via a praxis assignment.

Objectives

This activity introduces undergraduate students to the idea of metacommunication by means of a performance praxis assignment. Students will engage in a performance that allows them to define metacommunication, framing, and the specific frames of mimesis and poiesis, respectively. By the end of the assignment, students will compose and critique the inherent metacommunication of their performative texts both in form and context.