Breaking Protocol

A research project on the protocols of Indigenous performance art was conducted by Maria Hupfield, a transdisciplinary artist, and the results are presented in her book, Breaking Protocol. The book explores how Indigenous, place-based artistic modes of making and practice can create spaces for reciprocity and multiplicity and includes contributions from Rebecca Belmore, Lori Blondeau, Pelenakeke Brown, Katherine Carl, Real Christian, Christen Clifford, TJ Cuthand, Raven Davis, Vanessa Dion Fletcher, Akiko Ichikawa, Ursula Johnson, Suzanne Kite, Charles Koroneho, Carin Kuoni, Cheryl LHirondelle, Gabrielle LHirondelle Hill, Jackson 2Bears Leween, Tanya Lukin Linklater, Cathy Mattes, Meagan Musseau, Wanda Nanibush, Peter Morin, Archer Pechawis, Rosanna Raymond, Skeena Reece, Georgiana Uhlyarik, Charlene Vickers, and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Inventory Press LLC

Collaborative dialogues on Indigenous performance art were convened by a renowned practitioner for Breaking Protocol, transdisciplinary artist Maria Hupfield, as part of a research project exploring the protocols of Indigenous performance. This project sought to shed light on strategies for enacting refusal within decolonial frameworks by tracing Indigenous knowledge systems, land-preservation practices, and feminist scholarship.

The book draws from Hupfield's "Coffee Break," a series of virtual conversations held during the pandemic, where Hupfield invited international Indigenous performance artists to discuss their work, ranging from dance to stand-up comedy. These artists then invited other artists to join the discussions, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Breaking Protocol goes beyond these conversations to explore what we can learn from Indigenous, place-based artistic modes of making and practice to create spaces for reciprocity and multiplicity. Contributors to the book include Rebecca Belmore, Lori Blondeau, Pelenakeke Brown, Katherine Carl, Real Christian, Christen Clifford, TJ Cuthand, Raven Davis, Vanessa Dion Fletcher, Akiko Ichikawa, Ursula Johnson, Suzanne Kite, Charles Koroneho, Carin Kuoni, Cheryl LHirondelle, Gabrielle LHirondelle Hill, Jackson 2Bears Leween, Tanya Lukin Linklater, Cathy Mattes, Meagan Musseau, Wanda Nanibush, Peter Morin, Archer Pechawis, Rosanna Raymond, Skeena Reece, Georgiana Uhlyarik, Charlene Vickers, and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory.

Through their diverse contributions, these artists and scholars offer valuable insights into the complexities of Indigenous performance and its potential for challenging dominant narratives and promoting decolonial practices. Breaking Protocol serves as a valuable resource for artists, activists, and scholars interested in exploring the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, performance, and social justice.

Dimension: 229 x 165 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781941753576