Theatre

The rock musical "Rent," by Jonathan Larson, premiered in 1996 and tackled issues such as poverty, homelessness, LGBTQ+ rights and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It challenged the status quo by bringing these pressing social issues to the forefront of mainstream theatre and sparked conversations about marginalized communities and social justice.

Classical. Contemporary. Musical. Experimental. Political. Cultural. Eco-Theatre.

How have theatre artists channeled their talents for our common good? What action can you take today?

Theatre has always been a powerful medium for activism and social consciousness. The theatre genres include classical, contemporary, musical, experimental and avant-garde, political and social, regional and cultural, feminist and queer, and ecological theatre.

Whether your interest is in one of these or another, here are ways you might harness your creativity and talents to inspire, mobilize and unite people around sociopolitical causes:

  • Create and Perform Politically Charged Works: You can write or produce plays that address pressing sociopolitical issues, such as inequality, human rights, climate change, and social justice. Use powerful storytelling to raise awareness and provoke thought. You can also adapt classic plays to reflect contemporary issues, making them relevant to today's audience and sparking dialogue about ongoing struggles and victories.

  • Engage in Community Outreach and Education: Organize educational events that delve into the themes of your performances, providing historical context, current relevance, and actionable steps for change. Or involve community members in the creative process, allowing their voices and experiences to shape the narratives. This fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the cause.

  • Use Theatre as a Platform for Activism: Take part in or organize performances at rallies, demonstrations, and public gatherings to draw attention to important causes. This might be of special interest if your jam is flash mobs, street theatre, or spoken word pieces. You can also use theatre as a tool for lobbying and influencing policymakers. Stage performances in legislative spaces or other public venues to highlight the need for change.

  • Leverage Digital Media and Technology: Use social media and streaming platforms to reach a wider audience, especially those who may not have access to live theatre. Share performances, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions to engage viewers. You can also develop virtual reality or augmented reality experiences that immerse audiences in sociopolitical issues, allowing them to experience different perspectives and realities.

  • Foster Inclusivity and Representation: Ensure that the casting and narratives reflect the diversity of the society. Highlight stories of marginalized communities to amplify their voices and experiences. You can also mentor and support new and emerging artists from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about using theatre for social change.

Create and Perform Politically Charged Works

The Belarus Free Theatre has been a powerful force for political change and human rights advocacy. Due to its outspoken criticism, the theatre company has faced repression and censorship from the Belarusian government. In fact, it is the only theatre in Europe banned by its own government on political grounds.

Engage in Community Outreach and Education

Aysha Zackria is a queer Pakistani American dramatist, writer and musician. In addition to creating education resource guides and facilitating audience talk-back sessions, Zackria has encouraged high school students to make their voices heard by devising works of musical theatre. She has also advocated for residents of correctional facilities to have improved access to literature.

Use Theatre as a Platform for Activism

Augusto Boal and Paulo Freire transformed theatre and education by developing methods that helped marginalized communities achieve personal freedom and change through active participation. Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, inspired by Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, used theatre as a powerful tool for social change, encouraging dialogue and critical thinking among oppressed people.

Leverage Digital Media and Technology

The Public Theater has used YouTube, Facebook and Instagram to share performances, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with their audience on social justice issues. Their initiatives, such as the "Public Works" program, bring together diverse communities to create theatre that addresses pressing social issues and fosters civic engagement.

Foster Inclusivity and Representation

The Creative Equity Toolkit is a project run by Diversity Arts Australia and The British Council. The beautiful and clear website contains links to hundreds of practical resources, inspiring case studies and important research on increasing diversity in the arts. Specific to theatre, you will find case studies, toolkits, templates for tracking progress, research findings and more.

Glitch Studios collaborated with three Norwegian theatres to create the first live stage theatre performance in Europe using augmented reality.

Glitch Studios collaborated with three Norwegian theatres to create the first live stage theatre performance in Europe using augmented reality. Their production, "Briar & Rose," blends AR technology with live actors on stage, allowing audience members to interact with mythical creatures and dragons. Imagine the political possibilities…

Stella Adler
Produced at Singapore's The Theatre Practice, Ang's "Extinction Feast" was a playful black comedy about Asian culture, fish consumption and our pesky conscience.

Ang Xiao Ting makes participatory theatre that prioritizes ecological practices and has advocacy-driven messages embedded within it. She creates her works from the ground-up with activist groups, researchers, gastronomists, farmers, botanists or scientists. Produced at Singapore's The Theatre Practice, Ang's "Extinction Feast" was a playful black comedy about Asian culture, fish consumption and our pesky conscience. Blending storytelling and dining, the production also featured canapés. Of fish, no doubt.

Are you aware of theatre artists who are mobilizing meaningful change in the world with their art form?