Rhapsody in Green - A Happening: An Examination of the Happening as a Rhetorical Tool

In this study I outline seven characteristics of a traditional Happening (the use of games and play, an inherent intertextual element, an emphasis on place/space, an element/spirit of anarchy, an element of chance, an emphasis on the fusion of art with everyday life, and the existence of both a purpose and a meaning) and seek to determine which characteristics contribute to the Happening's current usage as a rhetorical tool. I created a traditional Happening containing a message of environmental consumption and destruction, and surveyed audience members regarding their interpretation and experience. The survey responses were coded using a top-down narrative analysis. I discovered that intertextuality, place/space, and the fusion of art with everyday life are particularly effective communicators of a message in a socially or politically conscious Happening.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2004

Author dc:creator

• Walker, Rebecca Ann

Contributors dc:contributor

• Taylor, Kelly Shaver
• Gossett, John S.
• Allison, John M., Jr.

• Happening (Art)
• Happenings
• Rhapsody in Green
• rhetorical tool
• performance studies
• intertextuality

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Walker, Rebecca Ann
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 58810621
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4679/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4679

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4679