Prison Theatre: Letting the Light in to Disciplinary Relationships

Abstract

Using a case study of recent applied theatre work within a secure setting in Auckland, New Zealand, we will consider the ways in which applied theatre can function as a multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary form—multi- disciplinary in that it embraces the various arts disciplines in its makings inter-disciplinary in that it works with and within other disciplinary sites and, in doing so, is informed by and adapts to those site's discourses and practices trans-disciplinary in the ways applied theatre practice and research blur traditional disciplinary boundaries to create new approaches and outcomes. Trans-disciplinary work ‘leads to the evolution of disciplines, hybridisation and outcomes that are greater than the sum of the parts’ (Petts et al., 2008:597). The intention of this paper, therefore, is to present and to untangle some of the tensions and possibilities that reside within prison theatre's complex and many-layered disciplinary relationships.

Keywords:

• APPLIED THEATRE
• PRISON THEATRE
• ROMEO AND JULIET

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peter O'Connor

Peter O'Connor is an Associate Professor and Director of the Critical Research Unit in Applied Theatre at the University of Auckland. His most recent work has centred around the use of applied theatre in the recovery efforts in Christchurch following a series of earthquakes and in the use of applied theatre as a research tool. Peter is also an adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. Email: [email protected]

Molly Mullen

Molly Mullen is a PhD student in the University of Auckland's Faculty of Education. She is a member of the faculty's newly formed Critical Research Unit in Applied Theatre. Her research focuses on the economies of applied theatre. Her background is as a practitioner, managing and facilitating participatory arts programmes for theatres and theatre companies in London and now New Zealand. She completed an MA in Applied Theatre (Drama in the Community and Drama Education) at Central School of Speech and Drama and was subsequently involved in developing the undergraduate degree in Drama and Applied Theatre at St Mary's University College. Email: [email protected]