Patronage, Commodification, and the Dissemination of Performance Art: The Shared Benefits of Web Archiving
- Volume 27, Number 2
- Elizabeth Wickett
- View PDF | Download PDF
- http://journal.oraltradition.org/issues/27ii/wickett
Abstract
Now that the Internet functions as a broadcasting forum, the “commodification” and marketing of indigenous performance art often takes place with no financial benefit to the performers. Therefore, scholars should work to ensure that traditional artists benefit from studies in “documentation” for the perpetuation of their livelihoods and cultural legacy. To help traditional arts survive, scholars need to create income-generating platforms in agreement with performance artists and transform archives into active fora for publicity and digital sales. This essay thus addresses the aesthetic and ethical dimensions of documenting oral performance on film, specifically with reference to performances of the epic of Pabuji in Rajasthan, India.
eCompanion
Gogaji transformed into a cobra bites Kelam (with Parvati Devi and Hari Ram).
Video: Elizabeth Wickett
Harmal Devasi is propelled across the salty sea to Lanka by the blessing of Pabuji (with Patashi Devi and Bhanwar Lal (Pabusar).
Video: Elizabeth Wickett
Sugana Ram Bhopa performing in Jodhpur on the ravanhatta during the performance of the epic
Photo: Elizabeth Wickett
