Applied Theatre: A Pedagogy of Utopia

Applied Theatre is a term used to describe a set of practices that encompass community, social, and participatory theatre-making. A Pedagogy of Utopia offers a critical consideration of long-term applied and participatory theatre projects and provides a new way of thinking about making theatre with differing groups of participants. It problematizes key concepts such as safe spaces, voice, ethical practice, and resistance and suggests that community or participatory theatre has the potential to generate a resilient sense of optimism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Applied Theatre is a widely recognized term that encompasses a range of practices that involve community, social, and participatory theatre-making. It is a vibrant field of performance practice that thrives across diverse global contexts and communities. While this proliferation brings about numerous opportunities, it also raises significant concerns.

A Pedagogy of Utopia is a groundbreaking book that delves into long-term applied and participatory theatre projects, offering a critical analysis of the concepts that shape this field. Through its timely exploration, the book provides a fresh perspective on creating theatre with diverse groups of participants. It challenges and problematizes key concepts such as safe spaces, voice, ethical practice, and resistance.

In her comprehensive analysis, Selina Busby examines applied theatre projects in India, the USA, and the UK, focusing on youth theatres, homeless shelters, prisons, and informal housing settlements. Her central question is: What might a pedagogy of utopia look like? Drawing on her extensive experience of 20 years in various contexts, the book centers on long-term interventions that raise thought-provoking questions about applied theatre, cultural colonialism, and power. At the same time, it argues that community or participatory theatre possesses the potential to foster a resilient sense of optimism, often referred to as a "nebulous utopia" by Busby.

Through her meticulous research and insightful observations, Busby demonstrates how applied theatre can be a powerful tool for social change and empowerment. She highlights the transformative power of theatre in bringing people together, fostering empathy, and challenging dominant narratives. By exploring the complexities and challenges of applied theatre, A Pedagogy of Utopia offers valuable insights for practitioners, researchers, and educators in the field. It encourages a deeper understanding of the potential of theatre to create a more inclusive and equitable world.

In conclusion, Applied Theatre is a dynamic and evolving field with immense potential for positive impact. A Pedagogy of Utopia provides a critical examination of this field, offering a fresh perspective on creating theatre with diverse groups of participants. By challenging key concepts and advocating for a pedagogy of utopia, the book contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the role of theatre in shaping society and transforming society.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 145 x 224 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350086111