Theatricalizing Protest

Abstract

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Artistic activism: Can aesthetic reception reduce adverse effects of disruptive protest?

“…Protest action with artistic character range from displaying creative banners to engaging in artistic performances (Demos, 2016;McKee, 2014) such as the "Red Rebel Brigade" (individuals in red costumes performing choreographies) -a recurring element of environmental protests (Lavender, 2019) -or the "Standing Man" who became a silent, unmoving symbol of resistance during the Gezi Park protests 2013 (McGarry et al, 2019). Also, iconographic historical documentation can be reinterpreted as artistic (Altenmüller & Gollwitzer, 2023;Doerr et al, 2013) -for example, the unknown "tank man" who confronted approaching tanks at Tiananmen Square 1989.…”

Signifying dissent: The sensory semiotics of protest

“…With uniforms, ‘there is no separation of person and pose’ but with costumes ‘the wearer always appears in addition to the persona that they present’ (Lavender, 2019: 10). Extinction Rebellion has made theatrically effective use of costumes, linked to specific characters with distinctive performance modes during events.…”

“…Protesters blocked roundabouts and toll booths, thus converting infrastructure designed for the circulation of vehicles into obstacles causing vehicles to experience prolonged stasis (Clifton and de la Broise, 2020). Gilets jaunes ’ actions rapidly expanded to the smashing of windows, destruction of CCTV cameras and damage to the Arc de Triomphe and numerous establishments associated with prestige products or high-status consumerism (Clifton and de la Broise, 2020; Lavender, 2019; Shultziner and Kornblit, 2020). Damage to or destruction of the materials of the street has also occurred at G20 and other recent anti-globalisation protests but were also used by suffragettes in early 20th century Britain, who smashed windows and set post-boxes on fire.…”