Meeting the Moment: Socially Engaged Performance, 1965-2020, by Those Who Lived It

Over 75 interviews and informal exchanges with progressive theater and performance makers provide insight into the field's challenges and opportunities over the past 55 years. The books highlight the diverse influences and experiences of performers, education and support, content value, and audience inclusivity, and offer hope for the future of the art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: New Village Press

The Experiences of Diverse Progressive Theater and Performance Makers

Over the past 55 years, the United States has faced significant challenges in providing equal opportunity and discrimination for performance artists. To shed light on this issue, a collection of curated stories from over 75 interviews and informal exchanges has been compiled. These stories offer valuable insight into the field and highlight the limitations faced by performers.

The performers featured in this work come from various backgrounds and often remain unknown beyond their immediate audience. They articulate diverse influences that have shaped their artistic practices, and they also reflect on the education and support they receive as artists. The content that is deemed valuable and how it is brought to bear is also explored, as well as the question of which audiences are welcome and whether cross-community exchange is encouraged.

The voices in this book span from 1965 to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. They point to more diverse and inclusive practices in the field and offer hope for the future of performance art. By sharing the experiences of these diverse artists, this book contributes to a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by performers in the United States.

In conclusion, The Experiences of Diverse Progressive Theater and Performance Makers is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the field of performance art in the United States. Through the voices of these artists, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse influences and challenges they face, and we are left with hope for a more inclusive and diverse future for the art form.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781613321553