Unlocking Magical Creativity: Devising Critically Engaged Theatre With Youth

Imagine being part of a space where young minds ignite and creativity flourishes. A place where youth explore contemporary issues, express their thoughts, and engage with critical conversations through the performing arts. This article will take you on a journey into the world of devising critically engaged theatre with youth, uncovering the power of drama as a platform for social change, empowerment, and personal growth.

Why Devising Theatre with Youth?

Theatre is not just about entertainment; it has the potential to shape young minds and offer them a transformative experience. Devising theatre with youth involves a collaborative process where young actors contribute to the creation of original works. By involving them in decision-making, scriptwriting, and character development, we empower them and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.

Devising Critically Engaged Theatre with Youth: The Performing Justice Project

by Marie Völker (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9706 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	374 pages

FREE

Devising theatre not only enhances their communication and presentation skills but also encourages critical thinking, empathy, and self-expression. It allows youth to explore complex social issues, challenge societal norms, and build confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.

Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces

When working with young performers, it's crucial to create a safe and inclusive space where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. This involves setting ground rules, establishing mutual respect, and encouraging open dialogue. By valuing their perspectives and experiences, we create an environment that fosters trust, empathy, and authentic storytelling.

The Power of Collaboration

Devising theatre with youth is a collaborative process that brings together diverse talents, ideas, and experiences. It encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. When young actors engage in collaborative exercises such as improvisation, group discussions, and brainstorming sessions, they learn to value different perspectives, understand the importance of compromise, and appreciate the power of collective creativity.

This collaborative approach also extends beyond the youth actors. It involves engaging with community members, educators, and professionals from various disciplines, creating a network of support and mentorship. By involving diverse voices in the creative process, we promote inclusivity, celebrate differences, and provide a holistic theatre experience.

Tackling Social Issues

Devising theatre with youth provides a unique avenue to tackle social issues that affect them directly or indirectly. Through storytelling, young actors can explore topics such as mental health, bullying, identity, discrimination, and environmental sustainability. By discussing these subjects openly, they contribute to raising awareness, encouraging dialogue, and fostering social change.

The Power of Performance

Theatre is a powerful medium for amplifying voices and igniting social transformation. When youth actors perform their devised works, they become agents of change, sharing their stories and perspectives with audiences. The act of performing gives them a sense of validation, appreciation, and empowerment, as they witness the impact their work has on others.

Moreover, the audience's engagement and response to the performances provide valuable feedback and encouragement for young performers. It reinforces their confidence, strengthens their commitment to social justice, and motivates them to continue their creative journey.

Devising critically engaged theatre with youth is an invaluable experience that nurtures creativity, encourages critical thinking, and empowers young individuals to become catalysts of change. By providing them with a platform to express themselves, explore social issues, and engage with important conversations, we unlock their magical creativity and prepare them for a world where their voices matter.

So, let's celebrate and support youth theatre, an art form that not only entertains but also fosters personal growth, empathy, and social progress. Together, we can create a vibrant stage where young actors shine and inspire generations to come.

Devising Critically Engaged Theatre with Youth: The Performing Justice Project

by Marie Völker (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9706 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	374 pages

FREE

Devising Critically Engaged Theatre with Youth: The Performing Justice Project offers accessible frameworks for devising original theatre, developing critical understandings of racial and gender justice, and supporting youth to imagine, create, and perform possibilities for a more just and equitable society.

Working at the intersections of theory and practice, Alrutz and Hoare present their innovative model for devising critically engaged theatre with novice performers. Sharing why and how the Performing Justice Project (PJP) opens dialogue around challenging and necessary topics already facing young people, the authors bring together critical information about racial and gender justice with new and revised practices from applied theatre, storytelling, theatre, and education for social change. Their curated collection of PJP "performance actions" offers embodied and reflective approaches for building ensemble, devising and performing stories, and exploring and analyzing individual and systemic oppression. This work begins to confront oppressive narratives and disrupt patriarchal systems—including white supremacy, racism, sexism, and homophobia.

Devising Critically Engaged Theatre with Youth invites artists, teaching artists, educators, and youth-workers to collaborate bravely with young people to imagine and enact racial and gender justice in their lives and communities. Drawing on examples from PJP residencies in juvenile justice settings, high schools, foster care facilities, and community-based organizations, this book offers flexible and responsive ways for considering experiences of racism and sexism and performing visions of justice.

Visit performingjusticeproject.org for additional information and documentation of PJP performances with youth.