Devising dialogue : structuring intercultural encounters through the process of workshop theatre

Leffler, Elliot

Devising dialogue : structuring intercultural encounters through the process of workshop theatre

Master Thesis

2008

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Drama

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

This dissertation explores the efficacy of workshop theatre processes in nurturing intercultural dialogue among members of a multicultural group. It investigates two kinds of intercultural dialogue - interpersonal dialogue and intergroup dialogue - which, it is argued, are each catalysed by different theatrical processes. Theatre games and improvisations seem to nurture an interpersonal dialogue, in which cultural differences are transcended as group members recognise each other's common humanity. Theatre research, on the other hand, seems more able to nurture an intergroup dialogue, in which group members acknowledge and contextualise cultural differences. At the same time, this dissertation proposes that it is unethical and ultimately ineffective for a facilitator to deliberately nurture a purely-interpersonal dialogue or a purely-intergroup dialogue. Rather, the group members themselves should determine the nature of the dialogue in which they participate. The dissertation therefore embraces Fred Casmir' s model of third-culture building, which conceptualises the multicultural group as a 'third-culture' that ideally evolves to accomodate the needs of all of its members.

Description

Includes abstract.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-82).

Keywords

Theatre and Performance

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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