The theatre of development: dramaturgy, actors and performances in the ‘workshop space’

Shutt, H., Martin, L. S. and Coetzee, M.-H. (2023) The theatre of development: dramaturgy, actors and performances in the ‘workshop space’. Third World Quarterly, 44(2), pp. 377-394. (doi: 10.1080/01436597.2022.2147060)

Abstract

This article explores performance within development spaces. Dramaturgy, a concept deriving from theatre studies, can be understood as an analytical lens that examines the various roles and performances of different ‘actors’ in particular social spaces. While there is literature exploring the use of the arts, such as applied theatre and dance, in development interventions, this article looks at the roles, performances and actors in development spaces. By analysing the subtle yet explicit composites of workshop spaces in development, in particular those engaging with arts-based methodologies, we can see how multiple and simultaneous performances converge. These performances are insightful in their own right and represent and enact a theatre of their own. Using a workshop in Sierra Leone as a case study, we explore the various dynamics at play within the ‘workshop space’ of development. We illustrate how these frequently overlooked and subtle elements in development are critical to understanding the perceptions and embodiment of what constitutes and enacts the theatre of development.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Shutt, Helen
• Authors: Shutt, H., Martin, L. S., and Coetzee, M.-H.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
• Journal Name: Third World Quarterly
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0143-6597
• ISSN (Online): 1360-2241
• Published Online: 30 November 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Third World Quarterly 44(2): 377-394
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
315439		Performing Arts and Social Violence: Innovating Research Approaches to Sexual and Gender-based Violence in the Global South	Stephen Forcer	Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)	AH/V005480/1	Arts - MLC Administration