Creative inclusion in community theatre: a journey with Odyssey Theatre

Author: Wooster, Roger¹

Source: Research in Drama Education, Volume 14, Number 1, February 2009 , pp. 79-90(12)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

What does 'inclusion' mean in practice? This article considers the work of Odyssey Theatre, a group of learning-disabled and non-learning-disabled performers as they put together a production with the support of professional theatre workers. Working processes are examined and the balance of empowerment and professional leadership considered. It is argued that the outcome is an art form with its own artistic and social validity. Inclusive theatre will be unlike other community theatre or professional theatre just as an inclusive society will be different from the one that we currently share.

Keywords: inclusion; inclusive theatre; disability; disability arts; learning disability; community theatre; story telling

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/13569780802655814

Affiliations: 1: Performing Arts Department, School of Art, Media and Design, University of Wales, Newport, UK

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$38.34 plus tax