Performing Environmentalisms: Expressive Culture and Ecological Change

Performing Environmentalisms explores how traditional artistic expression can be used to address environmental degradation and ecological collapse, highlighting alternative visions of what it means to be human and reinforcing the agency of human beings in responding to these crises. The book is interdisciplinary and wide-ranging, bringing together critical perspectives from artists and environmentalists on the front lines of the global emergency.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

The twenty-first century poses an existential challenge: improving the chances of sustaining life on our planet. Contributors to Performing Environmentalisms emphasize the strategic use of traditional artistic expression, such as storytelling, songs, crafted objects, and ceremonies and rituals, to respond to the social turmoil caused by environmental degradation and ecological collapse. By highlighting alternative visions of what it means to be human, the authors place performance at the center of people's responses to these crises. Such expression reinforces the agency of human beings as they work independently and together to address ecological dilemmas. The essays in this collection add these critical perspectives, gained through intimate struggles with life-altering forces, to the global dialogue surrounding humanity's response to climate change, threats to biocultural diversity, and environmental catastrophe.

Performing Environmentalisms adopts an interdisciplinary approach and covers a broad range of topics. It is an engaging exploration of the intersection of cultural expression and environmental action in the face of today's global emergency. The book features contributions from a diverse group of scholars and artists, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.

Aaron S. Allen, Eduardo S. Brondizio, Assefa Tefera Dibaba, Rebecca Dirksen, Mary Hufford, John Holmes McDowell, Mark Pedelty, Jennifer C. Post, Chie Sakakibara, Jeff Todd Titon, Rory Turner, and Lois Wilcken are among the contributors. Their essays explore various aspects of performing environmentalism, including its historical roots, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications.

One of the key themes of Performing Environmentalisms is the power of artistic expression to raise awareness and inspire action. The contributors argue that traditional artistic forms can be used to communicate complex environmental issues in a way that is accessible and relatable to a wide audience. By incorporating elements of performance, such as storytelling, music, and movement, artists can create powerful and memorable experiences that challenge people's perceptions and attitudes towards the environment.

Another important aspect of performing environmentalism is its ability to foster community and collaboration. The contributors highlight the role of performance in bringing people together across different social and cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective action. Through collaborative performances and community-based projects, artists can create spaces for dialogue, reflection, and the exchange of ideas, which can lead to meaningful change and social transformation.

Performing Environmentalisms also explores the ethical and philosophical dimensions of environmentalism. The contributors raise questions about the relationship between human beings and the natural world, the responsibilities we have towards the environment, and the ways in which we can live in harmony with nature. Through performance, artists can explore these complex issues and challenge traditional notions of power, privilege, and consumerism.

In conclusion, Performing Environmentalisms is a valuable contribution to the field of environmental studies and cultural studies. It offers a fresh perspective on the challenges facing our planet and provides a wealth of insights and ideas for addressing these challenges. By placing performance at the center of people's responses to environmental crises, the book encourages us to think creatively and critically about our relationship with the natural world and the role we can play in shaping a more sustainable and just future.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252086090