Performing Problems

This hybrid practice and seminar course,
Performing Problems, explores and theorizes
performance (live, on-video, online) utilizing the
provocation of a "problem". For this course,
"problems" might include but are not restricted to
the generosity of glitches, hitches, difficulties,
refusals, and current events. We aim to use
multiple creative study strategies such as:
engage in performative/meditative activities;
study performance constructions and intersections
via Materiality, Body and Bodies, Provocations,
Themes; research the work of artist/scholar
provocateurs whose works engage, challenge, and
value "problems" such as centering marginalized or
under-recognized voices, bodies, topics, themes,
poetics, politics, etc.; look at other forms of
problems including logistics that challenge
performance-makers such as engaging with various
sites, institutions, or the various ways we
imagine our work in relation to audience(s),
collaborators, curators, writers, researchers.
Ultimately, we identify and question our own forms
of, and encounters with, "problems" and/or
"performance". Interdisciplinary artists such as
queer Diné artist Demian Dinéyazhi, Navild Acosta
and Sosa, Kia Labeija, Vaginal Crème Davis,
Johanna Hedva, Marlon Riggs, Lovett/Codagnone,
Young Joon Kwak and many more. This course deepens
our work with citation and performance practice(s)
while working through difficulty and exploring
boundaries. Readings include guiding texts by
Lauren Berlant, Sam Delaney, Fred Moten/Stefano
Harney, Amber Jamilla Musser, and the writing of
artists highlighted in the course. As
participants in PERFORMING PROBLEMS, we seek
guidance and inspiration from past and present
artists by deepening our experience with how
artists engage, boundary-push, devise, and
continue to change the field of art and
performance. To support our performance study, we
will engage with the Six Thinking Hats method.
Highly recommended for students with interest and
experience in performance across the Institute.