Theatre for Social Change

Overview

How do theatre makers work in and with communities? What are the social and cultural benefits of communities engaging with theatre practice? Can theatre bring about community transformation, social change or social justice? In this module students will explore the practical, ethical, aesthetic and political impact of making theatre with, in, for and by communities for social change. Students will encounter a range of examples of theatre makers working in applied theatre, community theatre, and political theatre gaining the skills and knowledge of how to make their own socially engaged theatre project. Through theoretical and practical investigation, students will examine ethical questions about voice, authorship, and representation; political questions about value, change and social justice; and aesthetic questions about theatrical form and access.

Learning Objectives

Having completed this module you should:

Understand a range of examples of socially engaged theatre practices.

Have an understanding of the practical skills and responsibilities of theatre makers working towards social change.

Have the ability to critical reflect on and evaluate their own practice.

Skills

Ability to conceive of and plan a socially engaged theatre project.

Workshop design and facilitation skills.

Evaluation methods and critical reflection skills.

Assessment