Bringing Politics to the People: Verbatim Theatre as Democratic Participation
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Authors
Chenier, Dylan
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Theatre Studies , Verbatim theatre , Cultural Studies , Political Studies , Political Theatre , Theatre and Politics , Documentary Theatre , Theatre of the Real , Theatre and Politics
Alternative Title
Abstract
This research project examines the state of contemporary verbatim theatre in relation to the genre’s connection to political issues and the overall potential such works have to model and inspire democratic participation. I argue that despite an observed drop in popularity over the past decade, verbatim theatre remains a relevant genre that is uniquely situated to facilitate political discourse, which will in turn foster a sense of democratic participation among audiences through public political discourse.
The project addresses gaps in the literature on verbatim theatre by identifying unique verbatim characteristics, which sets the genre apart from other documentary-based theatre. In terms of verbatim’s connection to politics and democracy, this thesis examines the historical connection between documentary genres and other forms of political theatre, arguing that verbatim has long demonstrated a commitment to grassroots political issues which impact ordinary citizens on an everyday level. This study examines the rise of post-truth, specifically the movement’s impact on political discourse, while considering the role verbatim theatre plays in legitimizing the shift away from singular objective understandings of truth. Finally, the thesis concludes with a consideration of what’s next for verbatim theatre in this context, and the ways I will continue to grapple with these issues both as an academic and a practicing theatre artist.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States