Final answer:
The two general modes of performance are presentational and representational, corresponding to direct audience interaction and simulated reality without acknowledging the audience, respectively. These modes are seen throughout various performance arts, including theatre, comedy, and contemporary performance art which sometimes blends both modes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two general modes of performance are presentational and representational, which corresponds to option C) Presentational and representational. In presentational performances, the performers acknowledge the audience, and there is often a direct engagement with them. This form of performance can be seen in stand-up comedy, concerts, and some types of theatre where the 'fourth wall' is deliberately broken, engaging the spectators into the act. Conversely, representational performances are ones in which the performers act as if a 'fourth wall' is in place, fully embodying their characters and pretending the audience isn't there, typical of many dramatic plays and cinema.
Performance art has evolved significantly over time, absorbing influence from various cultural practices such as ancient Greek theatre, Roman pantomime, traditional Asian forms like Chinese Opera, Indian dance dramas, and Japanese Kabuki to form a rich tapestry of performance conventions. Across these traditions, the modes of performance navigate the complexities of representational forms, where performers may aim to elevate or satirize reality, as ancient playwrights did with Tragedy and Comedy.
With the rise of performance art in contemporary practice, the lines between the two modes have further blurred, as works often integrate elements of both, with artists using live events to critique or reflect upon social norms, blurring art and life. Hence, whether through interactive performance art that involves the viewer or traditional repertoires that favor more orthodox staging, the dual modes of performance provide a framework for understanding a vast and diverse field of artistic expression.