Psychology, Culture, and Memory - Intersecting Perspectives on Stage: Theatre as Catalyst

Colloquium
Janet E. Rubin,  Mansoor Khan,  Sharon Kline,  Lynn Spencer,  Jeanine Henry  

Theatre is a collaborative process. Inherent in these collaborations are different memories, perspectives, and frames of reference. When these come together through theatrical processes, learning occurs both within and outside the classroom and across disciplines. Whether onstage, involved in producing the play, or as audience, the impact can be retained beyond the immediacy of the performance. Regardless of the way in which one is involved, every participant brings to the experience his or her own frame of reference; no two people will experience the play in precisely the same way. Opportunities exist to empathize, engage, question, challenge viewpoints, and reflect, thereby shifting learning from passive to active. As representatives from five different disciplines, - psychology, history, humanities, visual arts, and theatre, - we share our individual perspectives on the power of theatrical experience to shed light on the intersections of memory, culture, ethics, and perspective. Our discussion centers on four plays presented in the 2020-21 season at Eastern Florida State College.THE GUYS deals with the events of 9/11. A SONG FOR CORETTA is a play that examines memories and perspectives generated by the funeral of Coretta Scott King. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS asks us to examine changing cultural norms. CONTACT WITH THE ENEMY examines memory, the construction of narrative, and ethical postures within the context of the Holocaust. The session will conclude with a robust discussion among presenters and attendees.