Intergenerational conversations in contemporary performance: conflict, caring and the earth crisis
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen Mary University of London
Department Name: Drama
Abstract
I propose an investigation of the potential for contemporary theatre practices to disrupt social narratives of intergenerational separation and conflict, in the context of an urgent need for collaborative engagement with the earth crisis. My proposal aims to determine the potential for theatre to bring generations together in conversation with each other and the earth crisis, asking:
1. To what extent does contemporary theatre making have the potential for transforming intergenerational narratives of conflict and estrangement in the context of the earth crisis?
2. What are the theoretical frameworks and strategies that can inform intergenerational theatre making, where and for what purpose have they been devised and what is the potential for their application in this context?
3. How does the interplay of political, social, and artistic power relations influence engagement with a collective intergenerational dialogue and how is this addressed in theatre making practice and research?
4. Can theatre making act as a catalyst for social change and collective action between the generations and what are the strategies involved?
5. What are the ethical and care implications of intergenerational participation in theatre making in the context of crisis?
In response to these questions, my research design uses a qualitative, grounded theory and ethnographic approach incorporating literature review, case study analysis, participative observation, and interviews. Structured literature reviews will build a framework of theory and concepts that can be applied to case study analysis. Review of the documented canon of theatre and performance engaging with the earth crisis will identify generational themes, artistic strategies, and critical responses to the work. Intersectional theatre that brings identity into conversation with contemporary issues is considered a core resource for this inquiry, with reference to bodies of work produced by feminist, elder, black and LGBTQ+ artists and scholars. Case study analysis will draw on themes identified from the literature review. Observational study of a participative intergenerational project engaging participants in conversations of care and solidarity will be augmented by interviews, looking beyond epistemological questions of theory and practice to the experience of artists and participants. It is intended to investigate both affective and effective responses and to consider an ethics of care in theatre making that challenges dominant cultural narratives in the context of crisis.
The focus of my proposal is contemporary theatre and applied theatre practice located in countries that are marginally affected by the effects of the earth crisis, and whose neoliberal economic policies are predominantly responsible, such as the UK, the United States and Australia. It includes artistic engagement with themes of climate crisis, climate justice and ecological sustainability, arguing towards the activation of a collective conscience and commitment to action.
1. To what extent does contemporary theatre making have the potential for transforming intergenerational narratives of conflict and estrangement in the context of the earth crisis?
2. What are the theoretical frameworks and strategies that can inform intergenerational theatre making, where and for what purpose have they been devised and what is the potential for their application in this context?
3. How does the interplay of political, social, and artistic power relations influence engagement with a collective intergenerational dialogue and how is this addressed in theatre making practice and research?
4. Can theatre making act as a catalyst for social change and collective action between the generations and what are the strategies involved?
5. What are the ethical and care implications of intergenerational participation in theatre making in the context of crisis?
In response to these questions, my research design uses a qualitative, grounded theory and ethnographic approach incorporating literature review, case study analysis, participative observation, and interviews. Structured literature reviews will build a framework of theory and concepts that can be applied to case study analysis. Review of the documented canon of theatre and performance engaging with the earth crisis will identify generational themes, artistic strategies, and critical responses to the work. Intersectional theatre that brings identity into conversation with contemporary issues is considered a core resource for this inquiry, with reference to bodies of work produced by feminist, elder, black and LGBTQ+ artists and scholars. Case study analysis will draw on themes identified from the literature review. Observational study of a participative intergenerational project engaging participants in conversations of care and solidarity will be augmented by interviews, looking beyond epistemological questions of theory and practice to the experience of artists and participants. It is intended to investigate both affective and effective responses and to consider an ethics of care in theatre making that challenges dominant cultural narratives in the context of crisis.
The focus of my proposal is contemporary theatre and applied theatre practice located in countries that are marginally affected by the effects of the earth crisis, and whose neoliberal economic policies are predominantly responsible, such as the UK, the United States and Australia. It includes artistic engagement with themes of climate crisis, climate justice and ecological sustainability, arguing towards the activation of a collective conscience and commitment to action.
