Theatre as a tool in education and in social and political activism: David Greig’s Dr. Korczak’s Example (2001) and Caryl Churchill’s Seven Jewish Children: A Play for Gaza (2009)

Abstract

This Master's Final Dissertation explores theatre as a tool in education and in political and social activism, demonstrating its potential to enable social change. The core focus of the arguments is based on two plays: David Greig's "Dr. Korczak's Example" (2001)and Caryl Churchill's "Seven Jewish Children: A Play for Gaza" (2009). The theoretical part of the research attempts to throw some light on the history and development of Theatre in Education (TiE) and theatre used in political and social activism. It also introduces Jacques Rancière's concept of emancipated spectatorship with a view to establishing links between theatre as a tool and the spectators' perception of performances as actively engaged recipients and interpreters. This is complemented by some thoughts on Orientalism and anti-Orientalism in relation to the analysis of collaborations between British and Palestinian playwrights and companies, ultimately suggesting that Greig's and Churchill's cultural and political activism are examples of anti-Orientalist work within the context of international or global theatre. A detailed examination of "Dr. Korczak's Example" and its use by children's companies reveals its educational potential, while the discussion of "Seven Jewish Children" proves its power as a political event. Finally, a section on empathy brings "Dr. Korczak's Example" and "Seven Jewish Children" onto the arena of ethical discussion about „response-ability‟ towards the Other that can be evoked for emancipated spectators through artistic practice – theatre in particular.