Jane Comfort’s piece, “An American Rendition” premiered in 2008 and is based around the cultural explosion of reality television and how people are engrossed by the sad fake world they call “reality TV” and find it more exciting to see that sort of humiliation and idea of living than actual reality. A source I found that talks about reality television is from 2005, and is an article written by Noah Page titled, "Reality Television" and the American Reality that produces it.” Reality Television is purely about entertainment, shows are produced to please the audience and make a fool of those participating. It demonstrates the social and cultural defects in our society and shows how ratings and progression and success of the shows are more important than personal integrity. The article refers to this type of television as “vast wasteland,” which is engulfing society into a fake idea of reality, by considering such situations as being an okay singer and calling them an “idol.” Current society cares more about who will win on “Survivor” or who is going to be eliminated on “Americas Next Top Model” more so than they care about hunger and political issues circulating the world. The article discusses how reality television in this time has become a way of sensing that “The American Dream is just one contest away.”
In two pieces by Jane Comfort, “S/He” and “Department” both premiering in the 1990’s, she focuses on topics such as gender, race, and sexual hatred. I found an article by Loretta Ross titled, “White Supremacy in the 1990’s” which discusses the views of these issues in the time that these dances were created. In this time hatred groups were being made and reinforced to go against different races, genders, and sexualities. The groups that were once mainly formed by middle age white men and up were now increasing in younger generations. The hate groups were viewed more as extremists than a threat to society, which is why the issues ended up staying such a problem. One specific example is David Duke who was voted governor of Louisiana in 1992; he focused on white rights and made people believe their hatred was acceptable. The anti-gay issues of the 1990’s were consistent and needed to be challenged which is what Jane Comfort did in her works. This article was focused on showing how hatred and segregation was extremely present during the 1990’s and that once everyone can realize that all of the ideas of homophobia and racism come from the same underlying source, than changes can be made.
One of Jane Comfort’s pieces, “Three Bagatelles for the Righteous” is based around political and religious leaders, and the promises they make and the situations they are apart of. One cultural event in the 1990’s that may have been an inspiration to this work was the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky Scandal. Throughout the mid 90’s both Clinton and Lewinsky denied having an affair and it was a constant battle as to was the situation a public lie or truth. It was not till final court rulings in the late 90’s when Clinton finally admitted to giving false testimony in courts. The “affair” was a constant battle through his presidency causing obvious trust and loyalty issues.
I think it is amazing how Jane Comfort does not seem to fear anything. She does not try to hold back. I am so interested in all her works and everything she is producing because it is truth satirized and it is so much more real than any typical story based dance like many ballets or other such classical pieces.
I didn't realize that she used such controversial topics in her pieces such as the topics of politics and the Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal. I find it intriguing that she chose to utilize these topics instead of shy away from them. It definitely adds to her appeal that she isn't fearful as you said.
ReplyDeleteI feel and think Jane Coomfot is very bold and great artist. Through dance she has covered and visited many controversial and talked about topics. Her works focusing and speaking on gender and seuality and the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal are very bold and envelope pushing boundaries. I think she is brilliant for pushing these boundaries. You did an extremely good job in you research.
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