Introduction: On Mountains

Abstract

In this general introduction to the issue, I lay out the case for performance and mountain arts research generally to be more fully integrated into Mountain Studies. I pinpoint two salient examples of where mountains’ status and agency has been elevated through performative means and recognize the wider project, Performing Mountains, for which this issue is a key outcome. Finally, I position the articles in relation to key themes which emerge across the range of submissions: Mountains and Impossibility; Translating Mountains; Symbolizing Mountains; Mountains as Sites of Protest and Political Expression; Mountain Representation; and Mountains, Scenography and Materiality.