In the next few years, we expect to see new studies published that deepen our understanding of how different live literature methods affect us as reading individuals and collectives.
- A great introduction and a central tome is Ellen Wiles’ book Live Literature: The experience and cultural value of literary performance events from salons to festivals.
- Does the idea of heart synchronization among audience members make your heart beat just a little faster? There’s a lot to be learned there – the phenomenon of heart synchronization at live events has been observed at music concerts, theatre performances – and indeed, at live literature readings. A great place to start is Conscious Processing of Narrative Stimuli Synchronizes Heart Rate Between Individuals by Pérez et al, Cell Reports. 2021.
- Does the hearing portion of silent, individual reading strike an (auditory) nerve? You can read (or indeed listen to) all about auditory cortex activity in The Voices Within by Fernyhough. 2016.
- Does the increased ability to empathize when reading sound like something you want to under-stand better? You might enjoy Reading Literary Fiction Improves Theory of Mind by Comer Kidd & Castano, Science, 2013.
- Does the phenomenon of sub-vocalization while reading quietly spark your curiosity? Explore more in How Silent is Silent Reading? By Perrone- Bertolotti et al, J Neurosci. 2012.
- These sources speak to the research on live literature in general. But, at this moment, research is being conducted on several different fields within the umbrella term of live literature - including poetry slams, table-top role playing games and LARP. In the next few years, we expect to see new studies published that deepen our under¬standing of how different live literature methods affect us as reading individuals and collectives.