Creating Community in a University Production of Bocon!

Abstract

Rehearsing and ‘living through’ a play production provided opportunities for nine students to reflect on their lives as theatre artists. In a series of interviews, the students searched for what was in their educational programme to establish the kinds of community they desired. That vision focused on the themes of inclusion, collaboration and voice. The interrelated themes reflect attempts to define organisational lives around shared ideals or ‘virtues’. While adhering to certain beliefs about how individuals should live in relation to each other is important, there are two other defining characteristics of the common ground that connects these students to each other. The basis for the creation of community is also advanced by a willingness to recognise individual identity and the interconnectedness among group members. Finally, finding common ground is associated with preserving a compact of affirmation, solidarity and critique.