Performance and Activism

Performance and Activism by Kamran Afary, published by Bloomsbury USA in January 2009, is a New Edition comprising 249 pages in English. This book presents a study of grassroots performances and activism following the 1992 Los Angeles riots, focusing on various efforts aimed at establishing peace between rival street gangs and the support networks formed by mothers of incarcerated youth. It also examines the theatrical production of Anna Deavere Smith’s Twilight: Los Angeles 1992, situating these events within the broader framework of performance studies and the political landscape of Los Angeles.

Readers will find an exploration of the intersection between performance and political advocacy, highlighting the role of grassroots movements in addressing social issues. The book delves into the historical and economic contexts that shaped these grassroots efforts, providing insights into the political processes at play in the aftermath of the riots. By documenting these performances and their impact on the community, Afary contributes to the understanding of activism in the United States during the 20th century, particularly in relation to the performing arts and local political dynamics.