The Spectatorial Situation in Masonic Self-Construction

Abstract

Masonic ethics is codified in a double sense: by a framework of behavioural value qualities and by the mytho-poetical history that has constructed a closed world of signs imbued with imaginary power. This imaginary power is also a signal power and is discharged in the spectatorial event of the ritual. And this is precisely what we want to make clear: it only makes sense to talk about cultural performance if the performance is seen as an expressive occurrence in which a direct or indirect reference to spectators is inherent. Performance without reference to spectators becomes indistinguishable from the execution of any kind of operation.