In Sickness and in Health: “Performativity” and “Autopoiesis” in US Feminist Theater
Keywords:
feminist theater, Women’s Health Movement, performance theory, consciousness-raising, political protest, US feminist dramaAbstract
This article analyzes the intersection between the Women’s Health Movement (WHM) in the United States and feminist theater and performance. The paper explores how theatrical strategies have been employed to raise consciousness about health, equality, and women's rights. The author contends that unconventional political strategies, including cultural events like theater and performance, are fundamental features distinguishing social movements from routine political actors. This study examines several scripts and performative events that reflect and support the WHM’s vindications through theatrical strategies aimed at consciousness-raising. The article argues that feminist theater can be conceptualized as a public endeavor using dramatic and/or performative strategies to promote equal rights and opportunities between men and women. The significance of this work lies in its demonstration of the productive continuum of complicity between feminist activists and artists, emphasizing the need for grassroots activism even today.(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)
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