Embodying an Ethic of Care: Dance and the Question of Imprisonment
Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
MSU-Only 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
MP4
Recommended Citation
Tarara, Lauretta, "Embodying an Ethic of Care: Dance and the Question of Imprisonment" (2024). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 1419.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/1419
written thesis
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Comments
The performance video is restricted to the Montclair State University community but the PDF file of the thesis, which is located at the bottom of the screen, is available to anyone interested in reading it.