The importance of theatre for social change
By Alora McCarroll
Theatre is an art form that has always been at the forefront of the human rights movement. It’s a medium that allows people to explore heavy topics in a way that is easily accessible to larger audiences. Theatre has an intrinsic ability to make people think and feel, leading often to positive action for change. Theatre is able to make audiences see uncomfortable truths from a different perspective and see how things really affect the people in our society. To see what we need to do to change and be better.
Theatre is a form of expression and sometimes that expression is protest. Many shows dive into important issues of racial disparity, gender biases, political conflict, and LGBTQ+ issues. These works provide space for marginalized communities whose voices may not otherwise be heard. Live performance can break down more complex ideas and barriers by giving life to the real human experience and how real people are affected by these issues. And this type of theatre does not just paint these issues in a palatable light to bring awareness to them, they also work to show ways that people can change these issues to make life better for everyone.
Theatre has also been at the forefront of bringing these social issues into the political sphere. In 2008, the Broadway community began putting on performances in support of marriage equality in the United States. South African playwright Athol Fugard wrote his play The Island as a protest against the political climate and apartheid laws in South Africa. Henrik Ibsen wrote his famous, An Enemy of the People, as a commentary on political corruption and environmental crises. Theatre works and performances like these create space for people to bring these issues to the forefront to receive larger attention from those within politics.
Theatre has always been political and that shouldn’t change in our modern day. It has always been important to speak up about important issues, but it seems even more important in this day and age. Diverse voices and perspectives must be given space at the forefront to communicate their experiences and concerns with current issues. Creating connections between artists and activist groups can also be an important way to bridge the gap between these heavy topics and general audiences. As theatremakers, remaining open minded and committed to social change for the betterment of others is one of the most important things we can do.
