Lexington Books Performance on Behalf of the Environment

Human degradation of the environment has been documented by scholars across a range of disciplines: the global temperature of the planet continues to rise, abandoned industrial sites stain once vibrant communities, and questions about the purity of our water and foods linger. In the shadow of these material conditions, concerned citizens have reacted by issuing critiques against careless consumerism and excessive lifestyles. Their hope is to illustrate and inspire alternative ways of living. As part of such efforts and activism, some have turned to performance as a means to investigate matters further, pose challenges and questions, and enact new ways of being and thinking in a globalized world. Performance on Behalf of the Environment is a collection of essays from a diverse group of scholars that explore critically the strengths, limitations, and processes of what can be termed environmental performances. Review Performance on Behalf of the Environment is a much needed collection exploring connections between performance and environmentalism. Drs. Besel and Blau have assembled a compelling and provocative group of essays, spanning a wide range of methodological and theoretical approaches, whose authors prompt us to carefully consider and critique the ways our performances affect our world.--Amy Kilgard, San Francisco State University Brimming with vital insight and important questions, this volume stages productive and timely incursions into urgent discussions around performance and environmental stewardship.--David Fancy, Brock University About the Author Richard D. Besel is an associate professor in the Communication Studies Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Jnan A. Blau is an associate professor in the Communication Studies Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.