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Language, trust and transformation: exploring theatre as a research method with migrant youth

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

This article explores the challenges and benefits of using theatre as a research method. It questions certain claims and assumptions underlying Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed and more recent literature on theatre-based research. In particular, it investigates the notion that theatre enables participants to address issues of oppression and create socio-political change. Based on a case study with migrant youth in South Africa, the article firstly argues that certain challenges specific to working with migrants such as differing language skills and a lack of trust may impede genuine dialogic exchange as envisioned by Boal. Secondly, it shows how these challenges can be overcome by incorporating writing exercises, video recordings and embodied communication. Finally, the article argues that theatre-based research can indeed create individual transformations in the form of increased displays of ownership, confidence and hope. These insights contribute to the growing literature on theatre-based research and will be useful for others using similar arts-based approaches.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 139-153

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

International Journal of Social Research Methodology: Theory and Practice (Volume 23, Issue 2)

Publication milestones

  • Accepted/In press - 15/07/2019
  • Published - 29/07/2019

Publication status

Published - 29/07/2019

ISSN

1364-5579

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/623934
  • Scopus: 85070303753

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