12.4 Globalization and performance

Globalization has profoundly impacted performance practices worldwide, connecting cultures and reshaping artistic expression. This interconnectedness has led to new forms of cultural exchange, 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
• Cultural imperialism describes the domination of one culture's values and practices over others through economic or political power
• Glocalization 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 hybridization
• 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 digital performance 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 postcolonial theory 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