Author: Borisenko, Laurel

Publication Year: 2016

Media Type: Dissertation

Summary:

Individuals and communities that have been subject to protracted violent conflict seek ways to move out of a cycle of violence, toward healing and reconciliation. Affected people need tools to critically understand their context and to participate in creative problem solving, thus allowing them to move from victim to survivor, from violence to peacebuilding. Through this dissertation I examine the role of theatre as one form of creative expression and how it can contribute to the process of healing and reconciliation, leading to peacebuilding. [Abstract p. iv]

Abstract:

Individuals and communities that have been subject to protracted violent conflict seek ways to move out of a cycle of violence, toward healing and reconciliation. Affected people need tools to critically understand their context and to participate in creative problem solving, thus allowing them to move from victim to survivor, from violence to peacebuilding. Through this dissertation I examine the role of theatre as one form of creative expression and how it can contribute to the process of healing and reconciliation, leading to peacebuilding.

Using a qualitative research approach I observed theatre performances and interview theatre participants, audiences, and facilitators in three different locations in Africa whose communities have experienced violent conflict: Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. I complement this primary field research with secondary data from organizational project reports, websites, as well as other academic research. My research provides an empirical review of responses from these interviewees, incorporating analysis using MaxQDA qualitative data analysis software. Since I was able to return to each research site two to four years after primary data collection, this research uniquely includes a longitudinal perspective.

Concepts of forgiveness, healing, reconciliation, and resilience arose as precursors of peacebuilding. I identify positive effects of participating in theatre projects as increased communication skills, community problem solving, and victim-perpetrator communication; increased confidence and positive identity; reduced isolation; and a venue in which to have stories heard. Negative effects include retraumatization and emotional insecurity; physical insecurity; a lack of community ownership of the project; and Non-Government Organization (NGO) or donor control. Finally, conditions by which theatre would be better positioned to make a positive contribution to healing and reconciliation are a safe and trusting environment, physical and emotional security, community ownership, cultural relevance, authenticity, trained and motivated facilitators, and when the project takes place in the cycle of violence. I conclude that theatre as one type of arts-based peacebuilding provides a venue for storytelling which contributes to reclaiming one’s identity, healing relationships, and thus moving affected persons from being victims to survivors, and moving communities from violence to peacebuilding. [Abstract p. iv]

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: International, Civic Dialogue and Social Change