1st Edition
Critical Themes in Drama Social, Cultural and Political Analysis
Critical Themes in Drama is concerned with the relationship between drama and the current socio-political context. It builds on and contributes to ongoing scholarly conversations regarding the use, benefit, challenges and opportunities for drama and theatre as a social, cultural, educational and political act. The intention of this book is to canvas current theory and practice in drama, to provide an extended examination of how drama as a pro-social practice intersects with socio-cultural institutions, to link critical discourse and examine ways drama may contribute to a broader social justice agenda. Authors draw on a variety of theoretical tools from the fields of sociology, anthropology and cultural studies. This combines with an exploration of work from drama practitioners across a variety of countries and practices to provide a map of how the field is shaped and how we might understand drama praxis as a social, cultural and political force for change.
This book offers drama scholars, practitioners, researchers and teachers a critical exploration which is both hopeful and critical; acknowledging the complexities and potential pitfalls, while celebrating the opportunities for drama as a practice for social action and positive change.
Framing the drama of these times. Chapter 1: Introduction to the drama of these times. Chapter 2: Enduring Inequity. Chapter 3: Useful drama in neoliberal times. Chapter 4: Dramatic democracy. Chapter 5: Creativity and the Global Education Reform Movement. Examining the drama of these times. Chapter 6: Glocalisation: Mythologising place and community. Chapter 7: Migration – Dramatic Comings and Goings. Chapter 8: The theatre of battle. Chapter 9: The drama of sex and sexuality. Chapter 10: The health and happiness project: being ‘well’ in these times. Preparing for drama of future times. Chapter 11: Climate change – a battle for our hearts and minds. Chapter 12: Digital+ destinies. Chapter 13: Imagining and acting in the extended present for unthought futures. Chapter 14: The future looks bright?. Chapter 15: Enduring discourses of beauty, love and hope
Biography
Kelly Freebody is Associate Professor at the Sydney School of Education and Social Work, The University of Sydney. Her research focuses on drama, social justice, creativity in education and school-community relationships. Her teaching interests include drama pedagogy and teacher education.
Michael Finneran is Head of Drama and Theatre Studies at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Ireland, where he leads the BA and doctoral programmes in applied theatre. His research focuses on drama, theatre practice, creativity and social justice.
