Original scientific paper
Out of the box: radio art as performing the public sphere
Agata Juniku
; Academy of Dramatic Art, University of Zagreb
Abstract
In this research I argue that performing certain forms of radio art in a public space could be the constitutive element in building the public sphere, as in the example of the concept and art techniques of German radio-activist art collective LIGNA. Following Adorno’s concept of radio situation and Brecht’s ideal of radio as the apparatus of two-way communication, they created an original genre of radio ballet by which they directly (re)act to problematic political decisions which encourage interventions of corporate sector in the public sphere, thus eliminating the very idea of the public (privatization of railway stations, gentrification of socially excluded neighborhoods, usurpation of public areas, etc.). The LIGNA collective has influenced some of the recently well established authors of the European performing scene while in the past fifteen years it has created several projects in collaboration with Croatian activist associations which has encouraged development and spreading of the radio art spectrum. Highly dedicated to reanimating the legacy of pioneers of theoretical reflection on radio (Adorno, Brecht, Arnheim, Anders, Benjamin), with their art works they create almost a catalogue of history of the radio theory, which has made a significant contribution to this chronically neglected research field. In this text I also suggest a certain parallelism between practical engagement of LIGNA and the research of Brandon LaBelle, who sees the great political potential of the sound in art as well as in everyday practice upon which he builds his concept of acoustic solidarity.
Keywords
radio situation; LIGNA; radio ballet; performance; community; public space; political action
Hrčak ID:
304968
URI
Publication date:
29.6.2023.
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