There are high-profile artists who mobilize their creative gifts for democracy and social justice. Artists like the performance art group Pussy Riot, graphic designer Gary Taxali, playwright Tony Kushner and country music singer-songwriter Jason Isbell all give us the opportunity to become more empathetic.
And empathy is something despots lack.
In Abbetuck’s group of subscribers, there are many artists who are stepping up and creating works that contribute to our common good and society’s empathy bank.
We spotlight six of these here to demonstrate that you do not have to be famous to have impact…although, in a year or so, you might want to check back on the “famous” part with these Abbetuck subscribers.
“An Administration” is just one of a treasure trove of plays by Orlando’s Ricardo Soltero-Brown.
Available from the National New Play Network’s New Play Exchange, one person or a stage full of actors could perform this one-act script.
“This is a very bold and even cathartic play,” writes a recommender. “It characterizes politics, almost in a sketch-like manner. Yet, through doing so, we see the underbelly of a system that never really cares about the people.”
Now there is a play for our times.
Dallas interdisciplinary artist Carmen Menza creates works of fine art utilizing light, mixed-media, interactive software, music composition and sound design.
Menza also holds a degree in guitar obtained through the Division of Jazz Studies at the venerated University of North Texas College of Music. And she co-founded an organization whose mission is to support, promote and connect women in the arts in Texas.
Women creatives are pushing back against oppression, even in Texas.
“Uncanny County” is an audio drama podcast co-produced by New York City actor and writer Todd Faulkner.
Quirky and full of the paranormal, Faulkner adds that the series “is like a southwestern twilight zone and, like that show, it’s a bit more political than lots of people realize at first.”
As if American politics were not surreal enough.
Faulkner has also begun to generate and share “cartoons,” as he calls them. (The “word of the day” illustration shown at the top of this e-newsletter is one of his.)
Side Hustle Dance Project, a new avant-garde company in Salt Lake City, recently staged its first dance performance.
Among the pieces presented (and inspired by the psychotherapy technique of the same name) Elise Williams‘ “Shadow Works” explored the complexities of human emotions and the underlying causes of inner turmoil.
As a descendant of white, colonizing Zimbabweans, “I feel the shame of my ancestry,” she confesses.
Originally from Oklahoma City and now living in Bangkok, Kevin Acers is a poet and human rights advocate who for years was a social worker and educator.
Although a regular commentator for “The Oklahoma Observer” (that state’s only journal of free voices) it was a recent work of his poetry on Substack that caught our attention.
“Gratitude can foster joy, and while I do not disavow that, more and more I find myself outraged.”
Indeed.
A glass artist in Cambridge practices “joyful resistance.”
“If you would like a piece of your very own Cat Wizard Glass Art,” Meredith offers. “You need only make a charitable donation to a local organization.”
She will then send back to you the value of your gift in glass art. Three simple steps: (1) Donate to a worthy cause. (2) Send her photo proof of your donation. (3) The glass is yours.
Meredith is also recruiting other makers to do the same.
As a conduit of empathy and beacon for hope, how is your art flowing through you to sneak in, stand up or speak out for democracy and social justice?
Need ideas about how you can #resist? Our “Draw Inspiration” page can direct you to 135 actions and examples, organized by arts discipline.
Collectively, artists of all stripes have the power to deliver positive change in a world currently edged with darkness.
Be brave.
Join Abbetuck as a subscriber. It’s free, has no ads and no appeals for donations.
PICTURED AT TOP: “Word of the day,” an illustration by Todd Faulkner
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