Performative Narrative

Searching for Its Genesis

Abstract

This article proposes the concept of a new form of literary narrative, called performative narrative, derived from stage presentation – one of the two basic types of storytelling previously identified by Otto Ludwig. This type of narrative has emerged as a result of contemporary literature functioning in the context of audiovisual culture and digital media communication.

      The article discusses the defining features of performative narrative, including the changing ontic status of the reader, the achievement of an immersive effect, and the programming of the text’s recipient. It also describes the tools used by performative narrative, such as the poetics of audiovisual arts, elements of performance, video games, and linguistic manipulation. In addition, the article identifies and discusses the internal and external literary factors that have influenced the formation of this narrative. The conclusions drawn from the analysis support the hypothesis that contemporary prose is developing its own type of narrative based on the fluidity of the genre features in cultural texts, the pursuit of convergence, and the interpenetration of semiotic systems used by specific media. The issue examined here also presents an interesting perspective on the further development of literature, shaped by a culture of participation, interactivity, and audiovisual textuality.