This working group is concerned with the application of drama and theatre to community, educational and therapeutic settings. Interest in the efficacy of theatre-making in such contexts has grown in the last twenty years, raising new questions about the role of universities in shaping social policy and in the wider community. The working group was established to raise questions about the ethics of practice and research in applied and social theatre, and the relationship between practice, research and teaching in this aspect of scholarly inquiry.
The working group intends to offer a forum for those engaged in research and practice that is orientated towards social change to discuss the implications of practice, particularly in contexts where they may be cultural outsiders. The working group has a strong interest in work that takes place internationally, as well as recognising the complexity of community.
Applied and Social Theatre 2008: New Directions
For TaPRA 2008 we invite contributions that respond in any way to the working group’s statement above. For 2008, we are interesting in exploring new directions, and hope to welcome emergeny scholars as well as experienced researchers. Applied Theatre is experiencing unprecedented academic interest, with researchers asking provocative questions of the diverse practices that takes place in different community and institutional contexts. New directions in applied, social and community-based performance are emerging from new research ecologies, methodologies and forms of engagement with participants. The working group aims to capture these innovations.
Broad, creative and flexible interpretations of the theme are welcome from researchers in all aspects of applied performance, social drama and community theatre. The following are offered as examples of questions that might stimulate discussion about new directions in applied theatre research, and raise debates about the significance of performance in civic and community life:
How are researchers in applied theatre reflecting on notions of the ethical? Are concerns for ethical practice taking the place of political activism?
How are researchers theorising ideas of voice?
What questions are raised by practitioners involved in cross/ inter/ intra cultural research?
What are the aesthetic challenges faced by applied theatre and how might they be researched?
How might research interrogate concepts of theatricality and performativity?
How are researchers in applied theatre connecting with questions of community?
It is proposed that there will be two strands to the working group. Part of the conference will be dedicated to research papers of around 15 minutes, followed by discussion. We will also allow for short provocations of a maximum of 5 minutes that will prompt discussion and debate. Where appropriate these will be collected in thematically connected ‘panels’.
At TaPRA 2008 the Performance, Identity, Community working group will be offering at least one shared panel with the Applied Theatre and Performance working group to explore areas of intersection and convergence.
Please send a brief (250 word) proposal and a brief biographical statement by Monday the 5th of May to either James Thompson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Helen Nicholson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Best wishes
Helen Nicholson and James Thompson
Convenors:
Helen Nicholson, Royal Holloway, University of London
James Thompson, University of Manchester
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
