Physical and Virtual Performance: From The Black Ribbon, The Women in Black, to the Film Industry

Abstract

This article aims to compare the physical and virtual performance embodied in the anti-war campaign Black Ribbon and Women in Black performances, and Hollywood actresses’ gowns at the prestigious award event, supporting the #MeToo campaign, as well as to prove that, except for the black color permeating them all, significant difference in the success of these performances is caused not only by technological advancement, but also by the circumstances and the context they take place in. The idea is to analyze in chronological review, using literature and archival material, the symbolism of the color black in performances connecting antiwar activists, citizens, the non-governmental sector and the film industry. The article will deal with the motives behind the narratives of the mentioned actions, as well as the scope of these performances, from stopping a war, punishment of war criminals, to prosecution for years of sexual harassment of women. It will stress the importance of the constant fight against the culture of impunity in different areas, and the importance of the contribution of technological development during the past 30 years, for moving the above-mentioned ‘black color’ performances, from the real to the virtual world. Here, this shift will be symbolized by space-restricted performances ranging from mass street protest marches to #MeToo.   Article received: December 30, 2018; Article accepted: January 31, 2019; Published online: April 15, 2019; Review article How to cite this article: Mirković, Saša. "Physical and Virtual Performance: From The Black Ribbon, The Women in Black, to the Film Industry." AM Journal of Art and Media Studies 18 (2019): 129−140. doi: 10.25038/am.v0i18.292