Theater and Human Flourishing

The Humanities and Human Flourishing series publishes edited volumes that explore the role of human flourishing in the central disciplines of the humanities, and whether and how the humanities can increase human happiness. This volume presents essays on the significance of theater to wellbeing and human flourishing, combining scholarship in psychology and positive psychology with new perspectives in theater and performance studies. Contributors point to theater as a rich source of community and examine the unique value of live, theatrical performance as a medium through which trauma and socio-political differences can be expressed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Humanities and Human Flourishing series is dedicated to exploring the role of human flourishing in the core disciplines of the humanities and examining the potential of the humanities to enhance human happiness. This particular volume delves into the significance of theater in promoting well-being and human flourishing. By combining scholarship from psychology and positive psychology with new insights from theater and performance studies, the book offers eleven distinguished scholars in the field of theater and performance studies their original and unpublished examinations of the social benefits of theater and performance.

The central question addressed in this volume is why theater is considered a social good. Contributors highlight the theater as a platform for fostering community and examining the unique value of live theatrical performances as a medium for expressing trauma, as well as socio-political differences. The book explores the personal, societal, and artistic benefits of theater through chapters on actors' suffering and acting training, community theater, theater and trauma, breaking social barriers through theater, theater etiquette, and the theatrical community as a refuge for marginalized groups.

Similar to other titles in this series, Theater and Human Flourishing adopts an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, bridging the gap between science-focused fields that study human flourishing and the artistry of theatrical performance. By doing so, the book contributes to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted ways in which theater can contribute to human well-being and flourishing.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 156 x 237 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197622278