Wars in this century are radically different from the major conflicts of the 20th century--more amorphous, asymmetrical, globally connected, and unending. Choreographies of 21st Century Wars is the first book to analyze the interface between choreography and wars in this century, a pertinent inquiry since choreography has long been linked to war and military training. The book draws on recent political theory that posits shifts in the kinds of wars occurring since the First and Second World Wars and the Cold War, all of which were wars between major world powers. Given the dominance of today's more indeterminate, asymmetrical, less decisive wars, we ask if choreography, as an organizing structure and knowledge system, might not also need revision in order to reflect on, and intercede in, a globalized world of continuous warfare. In an introduction and sixteen chapters, authors from a number of disciplines investigate how choreography and war in this century impinge on each other.
Choreographers write of how they have related to contemporary war in specific works, while other contributors investigate the interconnections between war and choreography through theatrical works, dances, military rituals and drills, the choreography of video war games and television shows. Issues investigated include torture and terror, the status of war refugees, concerns surrounding fighting and peacekeeping soldiers, national identity tied to military training, and more. The anthology is of interest to scholars in dance, performance, theater, and cultural studies, as well as the social sciences.
Industry Reviews
"Rarely does an anthology of such global breadth in subject matter and methodological diversity attain the kind of coherence embodied here, one that demonstrates a truly thoughtful engagement with the topic. Rich with insight into the ways that choreography and war illuminate one another, these essays all make good on the editors' claim that all choreography is political."--Susan Leigh Foster, Distinguished Professor, UCLA
"As micro- and macro-theaters of war spread throughout the globe in all sorts of variations, the belligerent dynamics of our contemporaneity emerges as an apparently unstoppable force of mobilization. This timely and highly original anthology gathers an impressive array of international scholars and artists who not only analyze the onto-historical link between choreography and war, but reveal how dance and choreography keep creating counter-moves of resistance
and alternatives for peace."--André Lepecki, New York University
"Choreogrphies of 21st Century Wars helps readers to contemplate the potential of choreography as construct and practice to grapple with the complexities and ineffable experience of a world dominated by war. Offering critical insights about the disconnection between our understanding and the realities of war, Choreographies encourages dancer-artists and scholars to explore the potential of choreography to illuminate how we shall live and dance
in this world. Living in a state where the Korean War has not yet ended, I appreciate the rigorous analyses of this anthology that helps me to realize and critically comprehend the very real choreographies of war."
--Dance Chronicle
