Applied theatre

Definition

Applied theatre refers to the practice of using theatrical methods and techniques in non-traditional settings, often aimed at social change, education, or community engagement. It connects artistic expression with real-world issues, allowing participants to explore themes such as identity, conflict, and culture in a collaborative environment. This approach emphasizes the importance of the audience's active involvement, making theatre a tool for reflection and dialogue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Applied theatre often takes place in community settings like schools, prisons, or hospitals, where it can address specific social concerns and foster dialogue among participants.
2. The practice emphasizes collaboration and participation, inviting individuals from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and contribute to the creation of the work.
3. This form of theatre can facilitate personal development, enhance communication skills, and promote empathy among participants by allowing them to engage with complex issues creatively.
4. Applied theatre is not just about performance; it also includes workshops, discussions, and other activities that encourage critical thinking and reflection on societal issues.
5. In post-modern and contemporary contexts, applied theatre challenges traditional notions of spectatorship by blurring the lines between performer and audience, creating a more immersive experience.

Review Questions

• How does applied theatre utilize theatrical techniques to address social issues within communities?
  • Applied theatre uses various theatrical techniques such as improvisation, role-playing, and storytelling to engage participants in exploring social issues relevant to their lives. By creating a safe space for expression and collaboration, individuals can examine topics like identity, justice, and conflict. This participatory approach empowers community members to voice their experiences and insights, making the process both educational and transformative.
• Discuss the impact of Theatre of the Oppressed as a specific form of applied theatre in promoting social change.
  • Theatre of the Oppressed is significant in applied theatre as it provides tools for marginalized groups to express their struggles through interactive performances. By inviting audiences to engage directly with the material—often by acting out scenarios or suggesting alternatives—this method encourages critical dialogue about oppression and social injustice. It transforms spectators into 'spect-actors,' fostering a sense of agency and empowerment within communities.
• Evaluate how applied theatre redefines the roles of audience and performer in contemporary theatrical practices.
  • Applied theatre redefines traditional roles by encouraging active participation from audiences, transforming them into collaborators rather than passive observers. This shift promotes an immersive experience where everyone contributes to the narrative being explored. By challenging conventional hierarchies between performers and audiences, applied theatre fosters deeper connections among participants and emphasizes collective storytelling as a means for understanding and addressing societal challenges.

Related terms

Theatre of the Oppressed: A form of applied theatre developed by Augusto Boal that aims to empower marginalized communities by using interactive theatre techniques to address social issues.

Community Theatre: A grassroots form of theatre that involves local communities in the creation and performance of plays, often reflecting their own stories and experiences.

Devised Theatre: A collaborative form of theatre-making where a group creates a performance without a pre-existing script, often focusing on contemporary issues relevant to the participants.