Restaging the Future: Neoliberalization, Theater, and Performance in Britain

The book investigates how neoliberal ideology affected state-supported performance practices in British politics and society in the 1990s and 2000s. It explores the relationship between performance and neoliberalism, focusing on how arts practices and cultural institutions were entangled with the processes of neoliberalization. Through a range of performance works, the book uncovers unexpected affinities between community-based, experimental, and avant-garde movements and provides historical context for these performances.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2023
Publisher: Northwestern University Press

Post-Thatcher, British cultural politics were significantly shaped by the government's utilization of the arts in support of its own social and economic objectives. This transformative period witnessed the emergence of neoliberal ideologies, which exerted a profound influence on various aspects of British society. In response to these developments, Louise Owen delves into the intricate relationship between performance and neoliberalism, exploring how arts practices and cultural institutions were intricately intertwined with the processes of neoliberalization that emerged towards the end of the twentieth century and continued into the twenty-first century.

Through her comprehensive analysis, Owen uncovers the uneasy entanglement of performance with neoliberalism's marketization of social life. Focusing on this critical political moment, she guides readers through a diverse range of performance works, spanning multiple forms, genres, and spaces. From European dance tours to Brazilian favelas and the streets of Liverpool, Owen examines these works closely, paying attention to their distinct implications for the reimagined future that lies in our wake.

In her examination, Owen identifies unexpected affinities between community-based, experimental, and avant-garde movements. She explores how these diverse performance projects engage with issues of insecurity, identity, and inequality, which were particularly salient during a period of profound ideological and socioeconomic change. By providing key historical context for these performances, their negotiations of their political moment, and their themes of uncertainty, identity, and inequality, Owen offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of neoliberalization and its impact on British society.

Through her insightful analysis, Restaging the Future contributes to our understanding of the ways in which the arts can be used as tools for resistance and transformation in the face of neoliberal ideologies. It serves as a reminder of the power of performance to challenge dominant narratives, provoke dialogue, and inspire social change. As we navigate the ongoing challenges and opportunities of our contemporary world, this book provides a valuable resource for artists, activists, and scholars seeking to engage with the complexities of our time.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780810146044