Oasis of happiness: The play of the world and human existence. Eugen Fink’s multidimensional concept of play

Abstract

This chapter considers the idea of rhythmic interruption, through a focus on the version of a playful performance practice that is undertaken in various cities and towns throughout the UK as part of a practice-as-research project. It outlines Henri Lefebvre's theory of rhythmanalysis as part of his broader theory of the production of space, which is followed by the rhythmanalysis of three moments of playful practice and the knowledge produced through exploring the practice. The chapter discusses the relationship of play to dominant ordinary rhythms and explores a moment of flow with another person. Lefebvre's theories on the production of space are conceptually located in his triad consisting of 'spatial practice', 'representations of space' and 'representational space'. The chapter considers a rhythmic ontology of play as distinct from ideological or instrumental conceptions of play, which are concerned with how play functions as a tool for learning necessary skills and behaviours or establishing personal and community identity.