Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

College/School

College of the Arts

Department/Program

Theatre and Dance

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Elizabeth McPherson

Committee Member

Claire Porter

Committee Member

Karen Love

Abstract

Dance is a powerful artform that has been used as an embodied tool for social change and commentary throughout history. Movement and performance has been a vehicle for artists to process and dialogue about the injustices and societal truths around them and continues to be a viable and effective tool for illustrating the point of view of concerned and engaged citizens. Through this medium, artists have been able to bring people together for various causes and movements. In (heal)ium, dance film is used as a vehicle for discourse about alternatives to the carceral state. The film explores the topics of community violence and conflict and how solutions can be found to address harm without removing people from society. At its core, (heal)ium is an abolitionist dance work. One of the most pressing questions of today’s citizens is how we will improve or remove the Prison Industrial Complex to better facilitate the rehabilitation of people convicted of crimes and integrate them into society as functioning and flourishing citizens. This thesis utilizes dance film to interrogate the efficacy of the Prison Industrial Complex as rehabilitation facilities dedicated to reforming individuals who have committed crimes.

File Format

PDF

Download

Included in

Dance Commons

Share

COinS