Embargo Period

5-3-2024

Degree Name

MA in International and Intercultural Management

First Advisor

Dr. Bruce Dayton

Abstract

Arts, storytelling, theatre, and drama have been woven into strategic approaches to peacebuilding after conflict to engage with people’s experiences and emotions, share silenced stories, and build trust and empathy. Applied theatre challenges audience members to take a more active role, either through participating in the storytelling or acting itself or through dialogue and reflection activities. This collaborative art form has been used for community-building, reconciliation efforts as well as in post-conflict settings. This study examines the impact and value of an intensive applied theatre workshop, using participant-observation, and semi-structured interviews. Some of the qualitative findings include the value participants found in learning from an experienced practitioner, the surprising speed that relationships and a sense of safety was established through theatrical exercises and games, and the depth and vulnerability that was shared within the workshop despite the varied experiences participants brought. Additionally, this study found that there are consistencies between limited, small-scale applications as well as in larger international settings when considering the challenges and benefits of incorporating theatre into community-building and peacebuilding projects.

Disciplines

Community-Based Learning | Peace and Conflict Studies | Theatre and Performance Studies

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