Bodies and protest, Part I
This next set of two lectures examines how art making practices engage with social commentary and/or protest. From murals, to gatherings, to flash mobs, to sit ins, die-ins, to free-running, to styles of dancing as protest (such as krump or clowning). We will think about how bodies protest, what they protest against and the methods through which these protests occur.
This week we will focus on protest through the body.
Task 8
Reading
Foster, Susan (2003). "Choreographies of Protest" Theatre Journal 55, pp. 395-412.
Read this text and answer the questions below.
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Forum
Go to the discussion forum "Protest" and discuss the following questions before your lesson.
- Why do you think it is important to protest?
- What has been a recent worldwide protest? Explain the motives and the people involved.
Wall
Find on the internet an example of a dance piece or film or documentary that is about protest or features protesting and post one of his or her works on this wall. Make a note on your post about the work and its author. Be prepared to discuss and qualify your example.
Recommended Viewing
These are online documentaries (open in a new window) related to this topic.
Eyes on the Prize, Episode 3, "Aint Scared of Your Jails 1960-1961"(55:03). Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJF9Z9diegA
This Is What Democracy Looks Like (Seattle 1999 WTO). Documentary by Jill Freidberg and Rick Rowley (01:08:51). Available at: