Applied theater

Definition

Applied theater is a form of performance that takes place outside traditional theater settings, focusing on social change, community engagement, and addressing specific issues within a given context. This type of theater often seeks to involve the audience actively, making them part of the experience to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and inspire action around social or political concerns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Applied theater can take many forms, including workshops, community projects, and site-specific performances, all aimed at making a positive impact on society.
2. This type of theater often collaborates with non-profit organizations, schools, or community groups to address pressing social issues like inequality, health awareness, or environmental concerns.
3. In applied theater, the role of the audience shifts from passive observers to active participants who contribute their thoughts and experiences to the performance.
4. It emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a means of personal and communal healing, allowing individuals to share their narratives in a safe space.
5. Applied theater practitioners often use techniques from other disciplines such as education, psychology, and activism to create meaningful and transformative experiences.

Review Questions

• How does applied theater differ from traditional theater in terms of audience involvement and purpose?
  • Applied theater significantly differs from traditional theater in that it prioritizes audience engagement over passive observation. While traditional theater focuses on storytelling for entertainment or artistic expression, applied theater actively involves the audience in the performance process to address social issues. The purpose is not just to entertain but to educate, inspire dialogue, and encourage collective action towards change.
• Discuss how the Theater of the Oppressed aligns with the principles of applied theater in promoting social change.
  • Theater of the Oppressed aligns closely with applied theater by using interactive techniques to empower marginalized communities and encourage active participation. Both forms aim to create an environment where social issues can be explored through performance. By inviting audience members to step into the narrative and propose solutions during performances, they both facilitate critical discussions that can lead to real-world change and activism.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of applied theater as a tool for community engagement and social awareness compared to other forms of activism.
  • Applied theater is particularly effective as a tool for community engagement because it fosters an emotional connection through storytelling while also encouraging active participation. Unlike more conventional forms of activism that may rely on pamphlets or speeches, applied theater allows individuals to see themselves reflected in the performance. This immersive experience can lead to deeper understanding and empathy regarding social issues, motivating audiences not only to reflect but also to take action in their communities.

Related terms

Theater of the Oppressed: A theatrical approach developed by Augusto Boal that uses interactive techniques to empower marginalized groups and encourage participants to explore social issues through drama.

Community Theater: Local theater productions created by and for a community, often focusing on relevant themes and providing opportunities for community members to engage creatively.

Forum Theater: A participatory theater form where actors perform a scene depicting a conflict, and audience members are invited to intervene and suggest alternatives, fostering discussion and problem-solving.