Abstract

An increasing number of performance studies scholars and literary critics have a fascination with the interdisciplinary programme of the cognitive sciences. In this commentary on the essay by Bruce McConachie, I estimate to what extent this fascination could be reciprocated. Firstly, I will embrace McConachie's invitation to address performance-related empirical questions, and will build up on his taxonomy of action in order to encourage research based on enactivist cognitive models. In this endeavour, performance studies may follow the lead of cognitive poetics. Secondly, I will suggest a threefold common ground for cognitive and performance studies, considering play as a candidate proto-performance. It is perhaps time for cognitive scientists to get more acquainted with performance studies, in as much as testable predictions can be formulated on their common ground.