Call for Papers, IFTR Reykjavik 2022 WG the Theatrical Event: Challenging Theatre Studies: Theatre for/by Young People, Amateur Theatre and Student Theatre

Academic discourse on Theatre for/by Young People/Audience (children and youth), Amateur Theatre and Student Theatre is rather limited, although these theatrical realities are widespread phenomena all over the world. The Theatrical Event working group has decided to prolong the discussion on the above subjects, that challenge theatre studies, which mostly ignore these theatrical events. 

The WG continues the discussion on theatrical events for: (a) young people and (b) amateurs or students: How can the insights provided by the concept of a ‘theatrical event’ illuminate the distinctiveness of theatre for young people and amateur theatre, and what may we learn from these two genres that contribute to theorising the Theatrical Event? Do the two topics raise some common questions? 

The WG invites scholars who deal with theatrical forms that are mainly within the margins of our discipline to join our next meeting during IFTR Reykjavik 2022 .

Possible aspects of Theatre and young people

•  Theatre education vs. education through theatre for other purposes

•   Repertoire: themes and forms

•  Theatre/Drama in Education

• Problematic and Taboo topics – e.g. how does TYA deal with death,     violence or politics on stage?

• Politics and Ideology: How may theatre for young people advance political ideas and ideologies?

•  Production and Funds: public vs. private

• Audience: from infant to teenager - Which methodologies are most appropriate?

•  Role of reviews

• Festivals for TYA

 Possible aspects of Amateur Theatre, Semi-professional theatre and Student Theatre

•  Purpose: Professionalizing vs. Community-centered

• Repertoire: canonical plays, workshop-based plays, site-specific performances, oral history plays

• International Festivals for Student theatre

• Directing/Acting: how to work with the amateur or student actor? Combination of professional and amateur actors

• Reality experts on stage

• Production and Funds: public vs. private

• Audience: local vs. national  

• Role of reviews

Any other aspects of these two topics are welcome. 

The Theatrical Event Working Group continues its discussions about these important topics and invites new participants and former members of the group to contribute suggestions for our meeting in Reykjavik 2022. Contributors are expected to familiarise themselves with the books the Working Group has published, in particular some of the theoretical ideas and models which were presented in Theatrical Events (2004); Festivalising! (2007); Playing Culture (2014); and Theatre Scandals. (2020).

You are welcome to submit an abstract (250 words max.) through the IFTR conference system. Deadline for abstract submission: 31 January, 2022. Once the abstract has been accepted, contributions for the Reykjavik conference should consist of a paper of no more than 3-4000 words, with a clear idea but ample room for revisions and additions. This first version of the paper will be circulated among the group about 3 weeks before the meeting. The meetings are mainly devoted to constructive discussions that should enable the authors to continue the development of their ideas and writing of a final text that will be discussed again at the Working Group meeting in 2023.

The convenors will be happy to answer your questions and advice concerning the procedures. Please feel welcome to join the Working Group that explores The Theatrical Event.

 

Convenors:

Dr. Smadar Mor, Tel Aviv University: smadarmo@tauex.tau.ac.il

 

Associate Prof. Rikard Hoogland, Stockholm University: rikard.hoogland@teater.su.se