A Weapon for the People to Wield

Author

Olivia Sonell, School of Professional Studies, Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Award

Spring 6-2-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Program of Study

Applied Theatre

Language

English

First Advisor

Sherry Teitelbaum

Abstract

This paper describes an applied theatre project facilitated in winter 2022 with an intergenerational group of LGBTQ adults based out of a large advocacy non- profit in the northeastern united states. The purpose of the project was three-fold, to explore LGBTQ intergenerational unity, the efficacy of applied theatre work in non-profit settings, and whether applied theatre has compromised itself ideologically.

Our project team met with participants over a period of four weeks, entirely over the ZOOM app. During these sessions we used applied theatre practices drawn from Augusto Boal and Helen White to explore connection and disconnection, and challenge dominant narratives about older and younger LGBTQ folks not understanding each other. After providing a rundown of the project, the author analyzes its successes and failures in relation to past and current revolutionary practice. She examines alternative ways of organizing and funding applied theatre work and makes a proposal of her own.

Recommended Citation

Sonell, Olivia, "A Weapon for the People to Wield" (2022). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/sps_etds/3