6.4 Performance and community building
8 min read•august 13, 2024
Performance plays a vital role in building and strengthening communities. It creates shared experiences, fosters connections, and celebrates cultural identity. Through performances, people come together, form bonds, and develop a sense of belonging.
Participatory performances take community building a step further. By involving community members in the creative process, these events address local issues, promote dialogue, and empower marginalized voices. Despite challenges, performance remains a powerful tool for uniting and empowering communities.
Performance for Community Building
Creating Shared Experiences and Memories
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- Performance creates shared experiences and memories among participants and audiences, helping to establish a sense of connection and common identity
- Attending a local theater production or music festival together can create lasting memories and inside jokes that bond community members
- Participating in a community dance or ritual can foster a sense of shared history and tradition
- Participating in performances together, whether as performers or audience members, can generate feelings of unity, trust, and mutual support within a group
- Singing in a community choir requires trust and cooperation among members, leading to a sense of belonging and support
- Engaging in a group dance or drumming circle can create a feeling of synchronicity and unity among participants
- Attending performances together can serve as a social bonding activity, strengthening relationships and networks within a community
- Organizing a group outing to a play or concert can provide opportunities for socializing and building friendships
- Discussing and interpreting a performance together can lead to deeper conversations and connections among community members
Celebrating Community Identity and Culture
- Performances often celebrate or represent the unique culture, history, or values of a specific community, reinforcing a sense of pride and belonging among members
- A Cinco de Mayo festival featuring traditional Mexican music and dance can celebrate and affirm the identity of a Latinx community
- A play about the history of a small town can help residents feel connected to their shared past and values
- The collaborative nature of many performances, such as community theater or music ensembles, encourages cooperation, communication, and interdependence among participants
- Putting on a community musical requires individuals to work together closely, fostering teamwork and a sense of shared accomplishment
- Participating in a drum circle or improvisational theater game requires attentive listening and responsiveness to others, building trust and connection
Providing a Platform for Expression and Inclusion
- Performances can provide a platform for community members to express themselves, share their stories, and have their voices heard, leading to a sense of validation and inclusion
- A community storytelling event can allow individuals to share personal narratives and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding
- A youth poetry slam can provide a space for young people to express their identities and perspectives, leading to a sense of empowerment and belonging
- The process of creating a participatory performance can help build relationships, trust, and understanding among diverse community members who may not typically interact
- Collaborating on a mural or public art installation can bring together individuals from different backgrounds and generations to work towards a common goal
- Engaging in a theater workshop or improv class can break down social barriers and foster new connections among participants
Participatory Performance in Community Building
Involving Community Members in the Creative Process
- Participatory performances actively involve community members in the creative process, rather than positioning them solely as passive audience members
- A community-devised theater piece incorporates the ideas, stories, and experiences of local residents into the script and production
- A public art project invites community members to contribute their own designs, messages, or labor to the creation of a mural or sculpture
- Inviting community members to contribute their skills, ideas, and experiences to a performance can foster a sense of ownership and investment in the project
- Soliciting feedback and suggestions from community members during the rehearsal process of a play can make them feel valued and invested in the final product
- Incorporating community members' personal stories or artifacts into an exhibition can create a sense of shared authorship and pride
Addressing Relevant Issues and Promoting Dialogue
- Participatory performances often address issues or themes that are directly relevant to the community, encouraging dialogue, reflection, and collective problem-solving
- A forum theater piece about gentrification can invite community members to intervene in the action and propose solutions, sparking conversations about local housing issues
- A participatory public art project about climate change can encourage community members to reflect on their environmental impact and brainstorm ways to promote sustainability
- The shared responsibility and decision-making involved in participatory performances can promote a sense of collective efficacy and agency within a community
- Inviting community members to help plan and organize a festival or parade can foster a sense of shared ownership and empowerment
- Engaging community members in the budgeting and resource allocation process for a public art project can promote transparency and collective decision-making
Empowering Marginalized Voices and Promoting Equity
- Participatory performances can empower community members, particularly those from marginalized groups, by providing opportunities for self-expression and leadership
- A theater workshop for individuals with disabilities can provide a space for them to share their experiences and take on leadership roles in the creative process
- A participatory dance project in a low-income neighborhood can offer youth an opportunity to express themselves and develop new skills in a supportive environment
- Ensuring inclusive and equitable participation in performances can be challenging, particularly in diverse communities with varying levels of access, interest, and artistic experience
- Providing free or low-cost tickets and transportation can help make performances more accessible to community members with limited financial resources
- Offering multiple ways for community members to participate (e.g., as performers, designers, ushers, or audience members) can accommodate different levels of artistic experience and comfort
Challenges of Performance for Community Building
Resource Constraints and Sustainability
- Performance projects may face resource constraints, such as limited funding, space, or materials, which can hinder their scope and impact on community building
- A lack of affordable rehearsal and performance venues can limit the frequency and scale of community theater productions
- Insufficient funding for materials and stipends can make it difficult to sustain long-term participatory art projects
- The temporary or ephemeral nature of many performances can limit their long-term impact on community building, unless efforts are made to sustain engagement and relationships beyond the event itself
- A one-time community music festival may generate short-term excitement and connection, but its effects may fade without ongoing programming or follow-up events
- A participatory theater project may need to incorporate post-performance discussions, workshops, or action plans to translate its themes into sustained community dialogue and change
Navigating Sensitive Topics and Measuring Impact
- Performances that address sensitive or controversial issues may risk alienating or dividing community members, rather than fostering unity and understanding
- A play about police brutality may spark important conversations but also trigger painful memories or defensive reactions among some community members
- A public art project about immigration may need to be carefully facilitated to ensure respectful dialogue and avoid reinforcing stereotypes or conflicts
- Measuring and evaluating the specific impacts of performance on community building can be difficult, as many of the social and psychological effects are subjective and intangible
- Surveys and interviews can help capture participants' and audiences' perceptions of social connection and empowerment, but may not fully reflect the depth or nuance of their experiences
- Long-term ethnographic studies or participatory action research may be needed to assess the sustained impacts of performance on community dynamics and social change
Addressing Structural Inequities and Systemic Issues
- Performances alone may not be sufficient to address deeper structural or systemic issues affecting a community, such as poverty, discrimination, or political disenfranchisement
- A community theater production about housing insecurity may raise awareness but not directly change local policies or economic conditions that contribute to homelessness
- A participatory music project in a school may promote social-emotional learning and cultural pride but not address underlying issues of educational inequity or funding disparities
- Ensuring inclusive and equitable participation in performances can be challenging, particularly in diverse communities with varying levels of access, interest, and artistic experience
- Language barriers, cultural differences, or physical disabilities may prevent some community members from fully engaging in performance projects without targeted outreach and accommodations
- Historical legacies of exclusion or cultural appropriation in the arts may make some communities hesitant to participate in performances organized by dominant cultural institutions or outside groups
Case Studies of Community Building Through Performance
Teatro Campesino and the Chicano Movement
- The "" theater company, founded by Luis Valdez, used performances to organize and empower Chicano farmworkers in California during the 1960s and 70s
- The company staged short, bilingual actos (skits) in fields and union halls to educate workers about their rights and encourage collective action
- Performances drew on Mexican folk traditions and addressed issues such as labor exploitation, racism, and cultural identity, fostering a sense of pride and solidarity among Chicano audiences
Cornerstone Theater Company and Community-Based Theater
- The "" in Los Angeles collaborates with diverse communities to create participatory theater productions that reflect local stories and issues
- The company's "Bridge Show" model involves a multi-year residency in a community, during which company members live locally, build relationships, and devise a play with community participants
- Past productions have explored themes such as urban-rural divides, environmental justice, and interfaith dialogue, bringing together community members who might not otherwise interact
Wing Luke Museum and Asian Pacific American Heritage
- The "" in Seattle's Chinatown-International District hosts an annual "Jamfest" that brings together Asian Pacific American musicians and community members for a celebration of shared heritage and identity
- The event features live performances by local artists, as well as participatory workshops and jam sessions that invite attendees to learn and play together
- The museum also curates exhibitions and programs that explore the diverse histories and cultures of Asian Pacific Americans, providing a space for community gathering and cultural affirmation
Detroit Youth Choir and Urban Youth Empowerment
- The "," featured on "America's Got Talent," provides a supportive and empowering creative outlet for young people from diverse backgrounds in Detroit, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the city
- The choir's dynamic performances showcase the talent and resilience of Detroit's youth, challenging negative stereotypes about the city and its residents
- Participation in the choir offers youth opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community service, as well as exposure to high-profile performance opportunities
Tamejavi Cultural Organizing Fellowship and Immigrant Empowerment
- The " Program" in California's Central Valley trains immigrant and refugee artists to use performance as a tool for community building and social change
- Fellows learn community organizing skills alongside artistic training, and develop projects that address issues facing their communities, such as immigration policy, labor rights, or cultural preservation
- The program culminates in a biennial "Tamejavi Festival," which brings together diverse immigrant and refugee communities to share their cultural traditions and stories through performance, dialogue, and celebration
Appalachia Community Theatre and Rural Cultural Preservation
- The "" in Kentucky stages productions that celebrate and preserve the region's cultural heritage, while also addressing contemporary social and economic challenges faced by rural communities
- Productions often draw on local music, storytelling, and folklore traditions, and involve community members as performers, musicians, and craftspeople
- The theater also hosts community discussions and workshops that explore issues such as sustainable agriculture, opioid addiction, or economic diversification, using performance as a catalyst for dialogue and action
Key Terms to Review (23)
Appalachia Community Theatre: Appalachia Community Theatre refers to local theater groups that create performances reflecting the culture, stories, and experiences of people living in the Appalachian region. This form of community theater plays a vital role in preserving regional heritage, promoting social connections, and empowering local voices through the art of performance.
Audience Studies: Audience studies is a field of research that focuses on understanding how audiences engage with and interpret performances, media, and cultural texts. It examines the demographics, preferences, and experiences of audiences to explore how these factors influence their reception and meaning-making processes. By analyzing the interactions between performers and audiences, this field contributes to a deeper understanding of community building through shared experiences and collective meanings.
Augusto Boal: Augusto Boal was a Brazilian theater director, writer, and politician known for developing the Theatre of the Oppressed, a form of performance that empowers communities to address social issues through interactive drama. His work emphasized participation, giving voice to marginalized groups and fostering dialogue about oppression, thereby creating an avenue for community building and social change.
Collective identity: Collective identity refers to the shared sense of belonging and identification among members of a group, which can be shaped by culture, experiences, and social interactions. This concept emphasizes how individuals connect through commonalities such as race, ethnicity, gender, or beliefs, contributing to a unified sense of self within the group. Collective identity plays a crucial role in fostering community bonds and enhancing social cohesion among its members.
Community engagement: Community engagement refers to the process of working collaboratively with individuals and groups to address issues that matter to them. It fosters relationships and builds trust within a community, encouraging participation in decision-making and actions that impact their lives. This collaborative approach is crucial in the contexts of performance, as it enhances connections among community members, encourages cultural exchange, and inspires collective action for social change.
Community performance theory: Community performance theory is an approach that examines the ways in which performance practices contribute to the building, strengthening, and transformation of communities. This theory focuses on the relationships among participants, audiences, and the social contexts in which performances occur, highlighting how these interactions can foster a sense of belonging and collective identity among community members.
Cornerstone Theater Company: Cornerstone Theater Company is a community-based theater group that emphasizes collaboration between professional artists and local communities to create original performances that reflect the diverse voices and experiences of those communities. By focusing on social issues and engaging participants in the creative process, Cornerstone fosters a sense of belonging and unity, demonstrating the powerful role of performance in community building.
Cultural expression: Cultural expression refers to the ways in which individuals and communities convey their identities, beliefs, and values through various forms of art, performance, language, and traditions. This expression can be a powerful tool for community building, as it allows groups to share their experiences, connect with one another, and foster a sense of belonging.
Cultural revitalization: Cultural revitalization refers to the process of reawakening and reinvigorating a culture, often focusing on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, practices, and identities that may have been diminished or threatened. This process is essential for communities seeking to reclaim their history and strengthen their collective identity through shared cultural expressions and activities.
Detroit Youth Choir: The Detroit Youth Choir is a performing arts group composed of young singers from the Detroit area, dedicated to fostering talent, confidence, and community engagement through music. This choir not only showcases the vocal abilities of its members but also serves as a platform for personal growth, social connection, and cultural expression in an often underrepresented community.
Ethnographic performance analysis: Ethnographic performance analysis is a research method that combines the principles of ethnography with performance studies to examine how cultural performances shape and reflect community identities, relationships, and dynamics. This approach emphasizes understanding the lived experiences of individuals within their cultural contexts and considers how performances can foster community building by creating shared meanings and connections among participants.
Flash mobs: Flash mobs are spontaneous gatherings of people who come together in a public space to perform a prearranged activity, usually for a brief period, and then disperse. These events often involve dance, music, or other performance art forms, creating a surprising and entertaining spectacle that engages both participants and onlookers. The phenomenon is often organized through social media or text messages, emphasizing the power of community building and collective action.
Immersive experience: An immersive experience is a form of engagement that fully envelops participants in a particular environment, allowing them to feel a deep connection with the content, context, and other participants. This type of experience often blurs the lines between performance and reality, encouraging active participation and emotional involvement. It serves to create a shared space where communities can connect, making it vital for artistic expressions that prioritize collective experience and interaction.
Interactive performance: Interactive performance is a type of live performance where audience members actively participate and engage with the performers and the performance itself. This form of performance blurs the boundaries between performers and spectators, creating a collaborative experience that can foster community and encourage personal expression. It often involves audience choice, feedback, and sometimes physical involvement, making it a dynamic and evolving art form.
Performative identity: Performative identity refers to the concept that identity is not a static essence but is instead constructed and expressed through repeated performances and social interactions. This idea suggests that our identities are shaped by the roles we play, the contexts we are in, and how we choose to present ourselves, which connects deeply to how identities can evolve based on social dynamics and cultural settings.
Richard Schechner: Richard Schechner is a prominent performance theorist and scholar known for his work in defining and expanding the field of performance studies. His theories emphasize the social, cultural, and ritualistic aspects of performance, encouraging a broader understanding of what constitutes performance beyond traditional theater.
Social cohesion: Social cohesion refers to the bonds that connect individuals within a community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. This concept highlights the importance of relationships, trust, and cooperation among members, which can be enhanced through collective activities and shared experiences. Strong social cohesion contributes to the stability and resilience of communities, allowing them to thrive in various contexts.
Social Presence Theory: Social presence theory is a concept that emphasizes the degree to which a person feels 'present' or connected in a communication environment, particularly in mediated interactions. It explores how the perception of others influences emotional responses and engagement, impacting relationship dynamics and community building. This theory is particularly relevant in understanding how performances and interactions can foster a sense of belonging and connection among participants.
Street theater: Street theater refers to a form of performance that takes place in public spaces, often outside, and is designed to engage the audience directly, frequently addressing social or political issues. This type of theater breaks the conventional boundaries of performance by bringing art directly into the community, making it accessible and relevant to everyday people. By using public spaces as their stage, street theater encourages participation and fosters a sense of community engagement and awareness.
Tamejavi cultural organizing fellowship: The tamejavi cultural organizing fellowship is a program designed to support and empower cultural organizers, particularly within marginalized communities, to develop their skills in community building, advocacy, and artistic expression. This fellowship emphasizes the importance of cultural practices as a means of fostering social change and creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups.
Teatro campesino: Teatro Campesino, or 'Farmworkers' Theater,' is a form of performance that emerged in the United States during the 1960s, aimed at raising awareness about the struggles of farmworkers and their fight for rights. This theatrical movement blends traditional Mexican cultural elements with contemporary issues, creating a platform for marginalized voices and fostering social change through community engagement and storytelling.
Theater for social change: Theater for social change is a form of performance that aims to promote social justice, raise awareness about societal issues, and encourage community engagement through the power of storytelling. This type of theater often involves marginalized voices and focuses on real-life problems such as inequality, discrimination, and environmental concerns, seeking to inspire audiences to take action. By fostering dialogue and collaboration within communities, it creates a platform for diverse perspectives and advocates for transformation.
Wing Luke Museum: The Wing Luke Museum is a cultural institution located in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to the history, art, and culture of Asian Pacific Americans. It serves as a community hub that not only preserves the heritage of Asian Americans but also fosters community engagement through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.