Performing Emancipatory Rites of Passage

Performing Emancipatory Rites of Passage illuminates an unexpected connection between ancient ritual structures and contemporary applied theater practices.

The book’s interdisciplinary case studies, by contributors from Performance Studies, Music, Anthropology, Black Studies, Education, Psychology, and Cultural Activism, reveal the enduring power of rites of passage in today's diverse, multicultural society, expanding beyond their traditional role of preserving social structures to opening spaces for all. From jazz funerals in New Orleans to reintegration projects for formerly incarcerated individuals, the chapters demonstrate how performance-based transitions continue to guide individuals and communities through profound change, even when challenging mainstream values.

This volume is essential reading for students, practitioners, and scholars of performance studies and applied theater as well as anthropology, education, and religion.

Kevin Bott, founder of Ritual4Return Inc., oversees the online division of Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University (USA). In addition to his work at the intersection of criminal justice and the arts, Kevin has created community-based theater pieces about race, justice, and democracy. Previously, Kevin served as the associate director of the national arts and humanities consortium, Imagining America: Artists and Scholars in Public Life.

Jan Cohen-Cruz taught at NYU (USA) for 28 years, creating their applied theater program. She directed Imagining America: Artists and Scholars in Public Life (2007–2011), launching their journal Public. Jan served as director of field research for A Blade of Grass (2011–2016), supporting socially engaged artists. Co/author or co/editor of nine books, her most recent project is a podcast available through the digital theater platform HowlRound.