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Cities of the Dead: Circum-Atlantic Performance in the Shadow of Slavery

Bryson Hayes

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Published in Cities Of The Dead: Circum Atlantic Performance

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In the wake of the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade and the legacies of colonization, artists and performers across the African Diaspora have used their work to grapple with the complex and enduring impact of slavery. "Cities of the Dead: Circum-Atlantic Performance in the Shadow of Slavery" is a groundbreaking book that explores the multifaceted performances that address the lingering presence of slavery in the present day.

Performance as Witness and Intervention

The essays in "Cities of the Dead" examine how performance becomes a powerful witness to the horrors of slavery, its haunting echoes in contemporary society, and the ongoing struggle for justice. Artists create immersive experiences, interactive installations, and site-specific performances that draw audiences into a visceral encounter with the past and present of slavery.

Cities of the Dead: Circum-Atlantic Performance

by Betty Halbreich

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	55060 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	338 pages

Rituals of Memory and Lament

Performance becomes a ritualistic space where communities gather to mourn the dead, commemorate their ancestors, and challenge the erasure of their history. Rituals, from traditional ceremonies to contemporary art installations, serve as conduits for connecting with the past and confronting its continued presence in the present.

The Politics of Representation

Artists and performers navigate the complexities of representing slavery and its aftermath on stage and screen. The book analyzes how performers embody black bodies, engage with trauma, and challenge conventional narratives of slavery. It explores the ethical and artistic dilemmas faced by those who seek to portray such a profound and traumatic experience.

Cities as Landscapes of Memory

"Cities of the Dead" considers how cities themselves become physical manifestations of the legacies of slavery. Urban landscapes, with their monuments, memorials, and contested spaces, are interrogated as sites of memory, resistance, and healing. Artists create works that illuminate the hidden histories and contested geographies embedded in the built environment.

Case Studies from the Circum-Atlantic World

The book brings together case studies from across the circum-Atlantic world, from Jamaica and the United States to Brazil and Ghana. It examines performances that range from dance and theater to music and visual art. Each case study delves into the unique artistic practices and strategies employed to confront the legacy of slavery in specific socio-cultural contexts.

Critical Reception

"Cities of the Dead" has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its groundbreaking insights into performance and the legacies of slavery. It has been recognized as a must-read for scholars, artists, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring impact on the world today.

"Cities of the Dead: Circum-Atlantic Performance in the Shadow of Slavery" is a profound and provocative work that sheds new light on the role of performance in addressing the legacies of slavery. It is a testament to the power of art to confront the horrors of the past, challenge the present, and inspire hope for a more just future.

Cities of the Dead: Circum-Atlantic Performance

by Betty Halbreich

4.5 out of 5