Manual for Approaching Theory
component for the Dynamic Archive, HFK Bremen
concept + text: Olympia Bukkakis, Isabel Gatzke
find the complete manual here
all pictures
© Isabel Gatzke
The Manual for Approaching Theory grew out of an extensive practice of reading and discussing »theory« together while searching for ways to either use it for or apply it to our shared working environment. Both, me and Olympia, are working in the field of contemporary dance in Berlin and share a background as well as an interest in social theory and cultural studies.
01. DON'T BE INTIMIDATED
Approaching theory (especially primary texts) can feel overwhelming. But it’s really worthwhile to directly read it. Only reading other people’s interpretations of a theorist’s work leads to a kind of mystification of the original text and makes the work seem harder than it usually is. You don’t have to measure up to theory. It’s there to serve you. Not the other way around. Don’t feel obliged to understand every single sentence. It’s also just fine to take out of a text what you need.
Manual for Approaching Theory
component for the Dynamic Archive, HFK Bremen
concept + text: Olympia Bukkakis, Isabel Gatzke
find the complete manual here
all pictures
© Isabel Gatzke
The Manual for Approaching Theory grew out of an extensive practice of reading and discussing »theory« together while searching for ways to either use it for or apply it to our shared working environment. Both, me and Olympia, are working in the field of contemporary dance in Berlin and share a background as well as an interest in social theory and cultural studies.
01. DON'T BE INTIMIDATED
Approaching theory (especially primary texts) can feel overwhelming. But it’s really worthwhile to directly read it. Only reading other people’s interpretations of a theorist’s work leads to a kind of mystification of the original text and makes the work seem harder than it usually is. You don’t have to measure up to theory. It’s there to serve you. Not the other way around. Don’t feel obliged to understand every single sentence. It’s also just fine to take out of a text what you need.