Abstract

For a long time, diversity haunts the thought of Western societies. The notions of foreigners, identity diversity and of what is considered acceptable and/ or natural overrun contemporary Western societies. This specific piece of dance theatre is based on an analysis of the various forms of social diversity, as well as on the notions of equality and the right to being different. We focused on the various forms and meanings of diversity and on their negative interpretations that come up within and among various social groups, leading to such phenomena as racism, stereotyping, social exclusion and labeling. A group of adults managed to overcome the negativism associated to diversity, through body movement workshops and the art of action painting. They expressed themselves by means of non verbal communication, creating new relations and conditions through processes of emotional and artistic performance. This case study highlights the dynamic character of diversity in contemporary societies and reveals the imminent need for social and cultural development. It is an example of how dance theatre and art practices are able to fulfill this powerful potential.