Community building through theatre practice

Abstract

This dissertation tackles possible relationships between theatre and the building of communities by using by Dwal Ġodda, a theatre group which developed in the village of Għargħur, as case-study. Community theatre practice in Għargħur has the objective of strengthening the sense of community of the troupe that produces it, while also being a means of outreach to other communities inside and outside the village. An analysis of various theories about Community will be undertaken, namely community/ communitas, liminal/liminoid. These frame the discussion, while the practices of Ariane Mnouchkine and Augusto Boal provide pertinent examples from broader theatre scenarios. This dissertation will make a distinction between community theatre and theatre in the community, highlighting possibilities of interaction.