Devising Downtown: Collective Creation and Female Leadership in Contemporary New York

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the everyday economics of collectively creating and devising work in New York City’s experimental downtown performance community, specifically for groups led by women. Even as many of these groups enjoy the increased acclaim of successful residencies, invited lectures and workshops at colleges and universities, and prestigious awards and honors, financial accomplishments remain modest. Additionally, this investigation puts the situations of downtown experimental female leaders in conversation with their counterparts on and off Broadway, many of whom began their careers with groups including Mabou Mines, SITI Company, The TEAM, etc. Considering these relationships as springboards, this chapter asks: How do women, in positions of leadership, author identities as creators and facilitators that embrace, or resist, intersections of professional and private economic terrain?