Post #9: Let's party like it's 1999

Looking at modern-day protests in the US, much has been discussed about the 2009 Tea Party and 2011 Occupy Wall Street actions.  Other situations that come to mind are the 2003 Iraq War protests, the ongoing Ferguson protests, and the particularly intense 1999 Seattle WTO protests.

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/WTO-riots-in-Seattle-15-years-ago-5915088.php
These protests were large-scale, occasionally violent, and brought together a number of groups under the general auspices of protesting the international status quo, as represented by the World Trade Organization.

The 2012 NATO protests in Chicago were downright tame compared to these, but it didn't help that Chicago mobilized over 10,000 troops in full chemical warfare gear:

Once again, these protests were serious, intense, and crossed over into violent confrontation.  I agree that the need for protesting the status quo is great, and that intensity is warranted.  But this class has taught that subtlety, humor, and artfulness can be more effective in making a point than simply yelling with a sign, or charging a line of riot cops who are looking for a fight.

What kind of theatrical actions would work well in a protest setting?  Is there a way to get artists more engaged in protest actions?