Sonic Strategies: Performing Mexico's War on Drugs, Mourning, and Feminicide

Sonic Strategies for Performing the Modern Nation explores how performance artists in Mexico use sound to address violence and government corruption. The book presents case studies of various performances, including music, theater, and film, that critique these issues and highlight the power of sound to convey meaning and emotion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Vanderbilt University Press

Sonic Strategies for Performing the Modern Nation delves into the captivating world of contemporary performance artists in Mexico, exploring the profound responses they have crafted in the face of the devastating violence perpetuated by the government's so-called War on Drugs. Authored by Christina Baker, this insightful book uncovers the "sonic strategies" employed by these artists as they navigate the complex terrain of a nation grappling with profound social and political challenges.

The introduction sets the stage, opening with a powerful scene depicting the reenactment of the Grito, or "cry," of independence, serving as a poignant reminder of the historical context that shapes these artistic expressions. Each subsequent chapter delves into the works of one or more performance artists, providing a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives.

Together, these case studies shed light on the audacious ways in which critiques of rising death tolls, governmental corruption, and gendered violence resonate through the medium of performance. From MÚsica de balas, a post-dramatic piece by Hugo Salcedo, to CompaÑÍa Teatro Penitenciarios' journey to the theatre through incarceration, the lamentations of the nation's Antigones in satirical revisions of Mexican Golden Age Film in Nosotras las proles, and the story of transfemicide in CÉsar EnrÍquez's La Prietty Guoman through the lens of U.S. pop music, these works offer a captivating exploration of the power of sound to convey meaning and provoke thought.

Written in an accessible and interdisciplinary style, Sonic Strategies for Performing the Modern Nation appeals to a wide range of scholars and enthusiasts. Drawing upon theatre studies as its foundation, the book seamlessly weaves together insights from various fields, including ethno)musicology, literary criticism, and theater and performance studies. By meticulously examining both planned and spontaneous sounds within live and textual experiences, the book argues that conscientious listening practices unveil dynamic practices that transcend linguistic and embodied gestures.

In conclusion, Sonic Strategies for Performing the Modern Nation is a groundbreaking work that offers a profound exploration of the intersection of performance, sound, and social activism. Through its compelling case studies and interdisciplinary approach, the book invites readers to engage with the complexities of contemporary Mexico and to recognize the transformative power of artistic expression in shaping a more inclusive and just society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780826505989