12.4 Globalization and performance
8 min read•august 21, 2024
Globalization has profoundly impacted performance practices worldwide, connecting cultures and reshaping artistic expression. This interconnectedness has led to new forms of , hybrid performances, and global markets for the arts.
As technology advances and societies become more intertwined, performance studies must grapple with complex issues of cultural identity, representation, and power dynamics. The field explores how local traditions adapt to global influences while maintaining authenticity in an increasingly interconnected world.
Globalization and performance
- Explores the interconnectedness of performance practices across cultures and nations in the context of globalization
- Examines how global economic, political, and technological changes influence artistic expression and cultural exchange
- Analyzes the impact of increased mobility, communication, and trade on performance traditions worldwide
Definitions and key concepts
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- Globalization refers to the increased interconnectedness and interdependence of world cultures, economies, and populations
- describes the domination of one culture's values and practices over others through economic or political power
- involves the adaptation of global trends to fit local contexts and preferences
- Transnationalism encompasses cultural, social, and economic processes that extend beyond national boundaries
Historical context of globalization
- Traces the roots of globalization to early trade routes and empires (Silk Roads)
- Examines the impact of European colonialism on global cultural exchanges and power dynamics
- Analyzes the acceleration of globalization post-World War II due to technological advancements and economic policies
- Discusses the role of international organizations (United Nations, World Bank) in shaping global cultural policies
Cultural flows and exchanges
- Appadurai's five dimensions of global cultural flows: ethnoscapes, mediascapes, technoscapes, financescapes, and ideoscapes
- Explores the concept of "soft power" in cultural diplomacy and its influence on global performance trends
- Examines the role of diaspora communities in facilitating cultural exchange and
- Analyzes the impact of global media conglomerates on the dissemination of cultural products and performances
Transnational performance practices
- Investigates the emergence of global theater festivals as platforms for cross-cultural artistic exchange
- Examines the rise of international co-productions and their impact on artistic collaboration and funding
- Explores the concept of "world theater" and its implications for cultural representation and authenticity
- Analyzes the role of translation and adaptation in making performances accessible to global audiences
Impact on local traditions
- Investigates the tension between global influences and local cultural preservation in performance practices
- Examines the ways in which communities negotiate and adapt to changing cultural landscapes
- Analyzes the role of performance in maintaining cultural identity in the face of globalization pressures
Hybridization of performance forms
- Fusion theater combines elements from different cultural traditions to create new artistic expressions
- Explores the concept of "creolization" in performance, blending diverse cultural influences
- Examines the impact of global pop culture on traditional performance forms (Bollywood-style dance in classical Indian performances)
- Analyzes the role of diasporic artists in creating hybrid performance styles that bridge multiple cultural traditions
Preservation vs adaptation
- Investigates efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage through UNESCO conventions and national policies
- Examines the role of cultural tourism in both preserving and commodifying traditional performance practices
- Explores the concept of "invented traditions" and their role in maintaining cultural identity
- Analyzes the impact of globalization on ritual performances and their adaptation to modern contexts
Cultural appropriation debates
- Examines the ethical considerations surrounding the use of cultural elements from marginalized groups
- Investigates the power dynamics involved in the commodification of indigenous performance practices
- Explores the concept of "cultural borrowing" versus appropriation in global performance contexts
- Analyzes the role of social media in amplifying discussions and critiques of cultural appropriation in performance
Global performance markets
- Examines the economic aspects of globalization in the performing arts industry
- Investigates the impact of market forces on artistic production and distribution worldwide
- Analyzes the role of cultural policies and trade agreements in shaping global performance markets
International festivals and tours
- Explores the role of major festivals (Edinburgh Fringe, Avignon Festival) in promoting cultural exchange
- Examines the economic and logistical challenges of international touring for performance companies
- Investigates the impact of cultural diplomacy initiatives on international performance exchanges
- Analyzes the role of festivals in shaping global performance trends and artistic reputations
Digital platforms and streaming
- Examines the impact of online streaming services on the global distribution of performance content
- Investigates the role of social media platforms in promoting and disseminating performances worldwide
- Explores the concept of "digital liveness" in the context of streamed performances and virtual events
- Analyzes the economic models and challenges of monetizing content globally
Cross-cultural collaborations
- Investigates the rise of international co-productions and their impact on artistic practices
- Examines the role of cultural exchange programs in fostering cross-cultural artistic partnerships
- Explores the challenges and opportunities of working across language and cultural barriers in performance
- Analyzes the impact of cross-cultural collaborations on artistic innovation and audience development
Postcolonial perspectives
- Examines the legacy of colonialism in shaping global performance practices and power dynamics
- Investigates the role of performance in challenging and subverting colonial narratives and stereotypes
- Analyzes the impact of on contemporary performance creation and criticism
Power dynamics in global performance
- Examines the concept of "cultural hegemony" in the context of global performance markets
- Investigates the role of funding structures and cultural policies in perpetuating power imbalances
- Explores the impact of language dominance (English) on global performance practices and reception
- Analyzes the strategies employed by artists from the Global South to challenge dominant narratives and aesthetics
Representation and authenticity
- Examines the politics of representation in cross-cultural performance contexts
- Investigates the concept of "strategic essentialism" in presenting cultural identities on global stages
- Explores the tension between artistic freedom and cultural responsibility in representing marginalized communities
- Analyzes the role of audience expectations and marketing in shaping representations of cultural authenticity
Decolonizing performance practices
- Examines strategies for challenging Eurocentric performance traditions and aesthetics
- Investigates the role of indigenous performance practices in reclaiming cultural narratives and spaces
- Explores the concept of "epistemic disobedience" in creating alternative modes of performance and knowledge production
- Analyzes the impact of decolonial approaches on performance pedagogy and institutional structures
Globalization and identity
- Examines the complex relationship between globalization and individual and collective identities
- Investigates how performance practices reflect and shape evolving notions of cultural belonging
- Analyzes the role of performance in negotiating multiple identities in a globalized world
Diasporic performances
- Examines the role of performance in maintaining cultural connections for displaced communities
- Investigates the concept of "roots and routes" in diasporic artistic expressions
- Explores the ways in which diasporic performances challenge notions of national and cultural boundaries
- Analyzes the impact of transnational networks on the creation and dissemination of diasporic performances
Nationalism vs cosmopolitanism
- Examines the tension between national cultural policies and global artistic trends
- Investigates the role of performance in constructing and challenging national identities
- Explores the concept of "rooted cosmopolitanism" in balancing local and global affiliations
- Analyzes the impact of nationalist movements on artistic freedom and cultural exchange
Hybrid identities in performance
- Examines the representation of multicultural identities in contemporary performance practices
- Investigates the concept of "third space" in creating new cultural expressions and identities
- Explores the role of code-switching and multilingualism in performances reflecting hybrid identities
- Analyzes the reception and interpretation of hybrid performances in different cultural contexts
Technology and global performance
- Examines the impact of technological advancements on performance creation, distribution, and reception
- Investigates how digital tools reshape the relationship between performers and audiences globally
- Analyzes the potential of technology to both connect and divide global performance communities
Social media and performance
- Examines the role of platforms like TikTok and Instagram in creating new forms of global performance
- Investigates the impact of social media on artist-audience relationships and community building
- Explores the concept of "microcelebrity" and its influence on global performance trends
- Analyzes the challenges of digital curation and algorithmic bias in promoting diverse performance content
Virtual and augmented reality
- Examines the potential of VR and AR technologies to create immersive global performance experiences
- Investigates the impact of virtual environments on traditional notions of liveness and presence
- Explores the concept of "mixed reality" performances that blend physical and digital elements
- Analyzes the accessibility and technological barriers to participating in VR/AR performance experiences
Global audiences and participation
- Examines the shift from passive spectatorship to active participation in global performance contexts
- Investigates the impact of interactive technologies on audience engagement and co-creation
- Explores the concept of "networked performance" and its potential for global collaboration
- Analyzes the challenges of creating culturally sensitive and inclusive participatory experiences for diverse audiences
Challenges and criticisms
- Examines the potential negative impacts of globalization on performance practices and cultural diversity
- Investigates the ethical considerations surrounding global cultural exchange and representation
- Analyzes the role of critical theory in addressing the complexities of globalization in performance studies
Cultural homogenization concerns
- Examines the fear of "McDonaldization" in global performance trends and aesthetics
- Investigates the impact of dominant cultural industries on local performance traditions
- Explores the concept of "cultural grey-out" and strategies for maintaining diversity in global performance
- Analyzes the role of cultural policy in protecting and promoting diverse performance practices
Economic inequalities in access
- Examines the digital divide and its impact on global participation in online performance events
- Investigates the economic barriers to international touring and festival participation for artists from the Global South
- Explores the concept of "cultural capital" and its role in perpetuating inequalities in global performance markets
- Analyzes the impact of funding structures and visa policies on global artistic mobility and exchange
Language barriers and translation
- Examines the challenges of translating performance texts and cultural contexts for global audiences
- Investigates the role of surtitles, dubbing, and other translation technologies in international performances
- Explores the concept of "untranslatability" and its implications for cross-cultural understanding in performance
- Analyzes the impact of English language dominance on global performance practices and reception
Future trends
- Examines emerging patterns and potential developments in global performance practices
- Investigates the role of performance in addressing global challenges and fostering intercultural understanding
- Analyzes the potential long-term impacts of current technological and cultural shifts on performance
Sustainability in global performance
- Examines the environmental impact of international touring and festival circuits
- Investigates alternative models for global cultural exchange that reduce carbon footprints
- Explores the concept of "slow art" and its application to sustainable performance practices
- Analyzes the role of performance in raising awareness about climate change and environmental issues
Emerging global performance forms
- Examines the rise of transnational genres that blend multiple cultural influences (K-pop, Afrobeats)
- Investigates the impact of global youth culture on the evolution of performance practices
- Explores the concept of "glocal" performance forms that resonate both locally and globally
- Analyzes the role of digital platforms in facilitating the emergence and spread of new performance genres
Technological innovations and impact
- Examines the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in performance creation and curation
- Investigates the impact of blockchain technology on intellectual property rights and artist compensation
- Explores the concept of "telepresence" and its potential to revolutionize global performance experiences
- Analyzes the ethical considerations surrounding the use of advanced technologies in performance contexts
Key Terms to Review (16)
Arjun Appadurai: Arjun Appadurai is a prominent anthropologist known for his work on globalization, culture, and the social dimensions of economic processes. His influential concepts of 'scapes' describe how globalization shapes cultural forms and identities across various dimensions like ethnoscapes, mediascapes, and ideoscapes. These ideas connect to the impact of globalization on performance, revealing how cultural exchanges and movements influence artistic expressions worldwide.
Audience agency: Audience agency refers to the capacity of an audience to actively participate in, interpret, and influence performance experiences rather than being passive consumers. This concept highlights the dynamic relationship between performers and spectators, emphasizing that audiences can shape narratives, challenge norms, and engage with performances on multiple levels.
Comparative analysis: Comparative analysis is a research method that involves evaluating two or more entities to identify similarities, differences, and relationships between them. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and political contexts in which performances occur, revealing how globalization influences and shapes performance practices around the world.
Cross-cultural audience: A cross-cultural audience refers to a group of spectators or participants from diverse cultural backgrounds who engage with a performance or artistic expression. This concept is particularly significant in the context of globalization and performance, where art forms are shared across different cultures, influencing and enriching each other while also presenting challenges in terms of interpretation and understanding.
Cultural exchange: Cultural exchange refers to the sharing and integration of cultural elements, practices, and ideas between different groups or societies. This exchange can happen through various mediums, including performance, art, language, and social interactions, allowing for the blending and appreciation of diverse cultural identities. It plays a significant role in fostering understanding and cooperation among cultures, often leading to the evolution of new hybrid forms in art and performance.
Cultural imperialism: Cultural imperialism is the practice of promoting and imposing a culture, often that of a dominant nation, over other cultures, often through media, art, and performance. This concept highlights how cultural narratives and values can be exported, leading to the dominance of one culture at the expense of others, impacting local traditions and identities. It raises critical questions about power dynamics, representation, and resistance in the context of both historical colonialism and contemporary globalization.
Digital Performance: Digital performance refers to artistic expressions that leverage digital technology as a primary medium, merging live action with digital environments and elements. This form of performance encompasses a range of genres, including theater, dance, and interactive media, creating new possibilities for storytelling and audience engagement through virtual spaces.
Globalization theory: Globalization theory refers to the study of how social, economic, and cultural processes transcend national boundaries, leading to interconnectedness and interdependence among nations. It explores the implications of these interactions on identity, culture, and performance across various contexts, highlighting how global dynamics shape local experiences and expressions.
Glocalization: Glocalization refers to the process of adapting global concepts to fit local cultures, emphasizing the interplay between global and local dynamics. It highlights how cultural products and practices can be modified to resonate with local traditions while still being influenced by global trends. This term is particularly significant in understanding how intercultural performance, globalization, and transnational practices shape artistic expressions in diverse contexts.
Hybridization: Hybridization refers to the blending or mixing of diverse cultural forms, practices, or performances that arise as a result of global interactions and exchanges. This process often leads to the creation of new, innovative art forms that incorporate elements from multiple cultural traditions, reflecting a dynamic interplay between local and global influences.
Localization: Localization refers to the process of adapting a product, service, or performance to meet the specific needs and preferences of a particular local audience or culture. This involves not only translating language but also adjusting cultural references, symbols, and practices to ensure relevance and relatability. In the context of globalization and performance, localization plays a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps and enhancing audience engagement by making performances feel more familiar and accessible.
Performance ethnography: Performance ethnography is a research method that combines the principles of performance studies and ethnographic research to explore cultural practices and social phenomena through performance. This approach emphasizes the act of storytelling, allowing researchers to engage with communities and reflect on their lived experiences, often highlighting marginalized voices and perspectives.
Postcolonial theory: Postcolonial theory is an academic framework that analyzes the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonialism and imperialism on formerly colonized nations and peoples. It examines how colonization has shaped identities, power dynamics, and cultural expressions, and emphasizes the importance of giving voice to marginalized groups while critiquing Western dominance.
Richard Schechner: Richard Schechner is a prominent American performance theorist, director, and writer known for his foundational work in performance studies and his exploration of the intersections between performance, ritual, and culture. His theories have significantly influenced the understanding of performance as a social and cultural phenomenon, emphasizing its role in shaping identity and community.
Street performance: Street performance refers to artistic performances that take place in public spaces, often outside of traditional venues like theaters. These performances can include music, dance, theater, and other forms of entertainment, and they engage audiences in a dynamic, spontaneous manner. Street performances not only entertain but also invite audience participation and can reflect the cultural and social dynamics of their environment.
Transnational performance: Transnational performance refers to artistic expressions and practices that transcend national boundaries, often incorporating diverse cultural elements and influences. This concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of performance art across global contexts, allowing for the exchange of ideas, styles, and narratives that reflect the complexities of globalization and migration.