Risk and Rational Action

In this chapter the theoretical framework proposed in Chap. 2 is used to account for the powerful influence of perceived and real risk in performance. Contrasting practices of disguise, exaggeration, or informed consent are discussed as elements of the dramaturgy of participation, with much in common with techniques of facilitation. Jonathan Kay’s fooling performances are explored, to test and elaborate the theory in relation to practice that seeks to enact a challenge to audience members’ inhibitions. Three questions focus the discussion: A detailed consideration of how risk manifests when participation is invited affords an alternative viewpoint on the role and activity of procedural authors: considering them as facilitators of the potential performances of participants, rather than as the co-creators of these performances. The agency of the procedural author is brought to the fore as they take responsibility for the safety, and the perception of safety, of the participant; while the participant’s agency is re-cast from the perspective of their need for self-protection and rational minimisation of harm.