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Discover the Power of Community-Based Performance with Rutgers Series

Zadie Smith

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Published in Local Acts: Community Based Performance In The United States (Rutgers Series: The Public Life Of The Arts)

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Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey into the vibrant realm of community-based performance, where art transcends mere entertainment and becomes a transformative force for social change. The Rutgers Series, a renowned collection of groundbreaking works, invites you to witness the profound impact of this artistic practice.

The Essence of Community-Based Performance

Community-based performance, an amalgamation of art, social engagement, and community collaboration, harnesses the power of storytelling, dialogue, and participatory experiences to address pressing social issues and foster a sense of shared purpose. Through performances that emerge from and resonate with the lived experiences of local communities, this genre of art transforms public spaces into platforms for collective expression and empowerment.

Local Acts: Community-Based Performance in the United States (Rutgers Series: The Public Life of the Arts)

by Jan Cohen-Cruz

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2741 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	212 pages

Historical Roots and Innovations

The Rutgers Series traces its roots back to the 1970s, a period of artistic experimentation and social upheaval. Pioneering artists such as Suzanne Lacy, Mierle Laderman Ukeles, and Mel Chin sought to break down the barriers between art and life, using performance as a means to engage with pressing social issues and foster dialogue among diverse communities.

Transformative Impact and Legacy

The Rutgers Series has profoundly influenced the trajectory of performance art, inspiring countless artists and scholars to explore the transformative potential of community engagement. Its works have addressed a wide range of social concerns, including gender inequality, environmental degradation, and the complexities of race and identity.

Through its innovative programming and commitment to fostering meaningful community partnerships, the Rutgers Series has nurtured a vibrant ecosystem of artists, activists, and community members. This collaborative approach has catalyzed transformative change, leaving a lasting legacy in the communities it has touched.

Key Contributions of the Rutgers Series

Pioneering new forms of performance art: The Rutgers Series has pushed the boundaries of performance art, fostering experimentation and innovation that have expanded the scope and possibilities of this genre.
Amplifying underrepresented voices: By centering the experiences of marginalized communities, the Series has provided a platform for their stories to be heard and their perspectives to be valued.
Facilitating community dialogue: The interactive nature of community-based performance fosters dialogue, empathy, and understanding among diverse audiences, bridging divides and creating a shared sense of purpose.
Inspiring social change: Through performances that address pressing social issues, the Series has spurred collective action and contributed to positive societal change.
Nurturing artistic excellence: The Rutgers Series has provided a nurturing environment for artists to develop their skills, experiment with new ideas, and create works of enduring impact.

A Vibrant Community Based Performance Taking Place In A Public Square Local Acts: Community Based Performance In The United States (Rutgers Series: The Public Life Of The Arts)

A Showcase of Exemplary Works

The Rutgers Series boasts an impressive repertoire of groundbreaking performances, each offering a unique lens into the power of community-based art.

Suzanne Lacy's "The Crystal Quilt" (1985): This participatory performance brought together women from diverse backgrounds to create a quilt that expressed their experiences of domestic violence.
Coco Fusco and Guillermo Gomez-Peña's "Two Undiscovered Amerindians Visit the West" (1992): This satirical performance critiqued the exoticization of Native American culture in popular media.
Mel Chin's "The Revival Field" (1991-1993): This large-scale environmental performance involved planting trees in a contaminated industrial site as a symbol of renewal and hope.

"Community-based performance has the power to transform not only individual lives, but entire communities. It fosters a sense of shared purpose, promotes understanding across divides, and inspires collective action for positive change." - Professor Sally Banes, Director of the Rutgers Center for Dance Research

- Professor Sally Banes, Director of the Rutgers Center for Dance Research

The Rutgers Series stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-based performance. Through its groundbreaking works and unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful community partnerships, it has redefined the boundaries of art and its role in society. As we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the insights and innovations offered by the Rutgers Series remain more relevant than ever.

Immerse yourself in the world of community-based performance and discover how it can empower communities, ignite social change, and inspire artistic excellence. The Rutgers Series invites you on a journey of transformation and invites you to witness the power of art to create a better world.

Local Acts: Community-Based Performance in the United States (Rutgers Series: The Public Life of the Arts)

by Jan Cohen-Cruz

4.5 out of 5