On the spatial politics of the flash mob
From novel, to viral, to commercial, to cringe: the life cycle of the flash mob, an internet trend that got people off the internet to gather in physical space. Now, fifteen years past its cultural peak, we have enough distance to study the flash mob as a social phenomenon, organizing practice, and art form.
What can we understand about culture, virality, and public performance by tracking the history and transformation of the flash mob? From the proliferation of interventionist public performance art in the 20th century to the internet’s creation of “smart mobs” to the specific conditions of virality in the mid 2010s and its relationship to commercialism, we will begin to see flash mobs as an action with real cultural and social organizing potential.
We will also study the formal ingredients of the flash mob — instantaneous and often joyful synchronized behaviors performed briefly in a public space — and the way this mode of shared experience has been shaped by advances in technology. Together, we will think through the liberatory and resistance-oriented cultural potential that may be discovered in this form. Is it possible to reclaim this "viral" mode of gathering for something greater than likes and reshares?
Led by interdisciplinary theatre artist and educator Sheridan Merrick.
Thursdays, 6:30-9:00pm
October 15-29
Our courses cost $250, with a Supporter rate for students with an income above 100k. We also offer a Supported rate for students with constraining circumstances.
Please see our Refund Policy HERE.
Additionally, we offer three tuition-waiver scholarships per course. To apply for a scholarship, click HERE.
Photo by Morteza Akhnia