The Reality Shows Book

"Ms. Finley hasn't lost the power to disturb."—Ben Brantley, The New York Times

No other contemporary performing artist has captured the psychological complexity of this decade's political and social milestones as Karen Finley has in the past ten years. In her inimitable style, Finley has embodied some of the most troubling figures to cast a long shadow on the public imagination, and has envisioned a kind of catharsis within each drama: Liza Minnelli responds to the September 11 attacks; Terri Schaivo explains why Americans love a woman in a coma; Martha Stewart dumps George W. Bush during their tryst on the eve of the Republican National Convention; Silda Spitzer tells the former governor why "I'm sorry" just isn't enough; Jackie O cries, "Please stop looking at me!"

The Reality Shows is a revelation of a decade by one of our greatest interpreters of popular and political culture.

Karen Finley's raw and transgressive performances have long provoked controversy and debate. She has appeared and exhibited her visual art, performances, and plays internationally. The author of many books, including A Different Kind Of Intimacy, George & Martha, and Shock Treatment, she is a professor at the Tisch School of Art and Public Policy at NYU.

Kathleen Hanna, activist and writer, was the lead singer of the punk band Bikini Kill before fronting the dance-punk band Le Tigre. She released a solo album under the name Julie Ruin.