Proceedings of the 7th World Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities
Year: 2024
DOI:
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‘Une Petite Hiroba’: Decolonising Acting and Performing Through Multilingual Devised Theatre
Yunjia Luo
ABSTRACT:
This thesis investigates the significance of multilingualism in applied theatre, specifically within the Multicultural Applied Theatre Society (MAT) and its engagements with migrant communities. Established in 2018 by alumni and students from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MAT is dedicated to fostering a community focused on multilingualism and diversity. Through the annual devised play, ‘Une Petite Hiroba’, the society probes themes of migration, colonisation, and globalisation, employing a comedic style to examine personal issues and identity. This methodology encompasses weekly society meetings and workshops, leading to devising rehearsals, all adhering to the principle of language freedom. The research delves into the notion of visuality in multilingual performances, accentuating individuals’ rights to narrate their own tales and the significance of expanding theatrical creativity beyond solely English culture and language. The study uncovers the beneficial effects of integrating multilingualism into the theatre devising process, illuminating its role in coping with identity crisis. This approach effectively addresses issues of displacement and alienation in the post-colonial context. Moreover, it underscores the profound performance techniques and stage dynamics exhibited by transcultural performing entities. However, while multilingualism provides a medium for celebrating diverse cultures, the challenge remains in effectively translating these cultural nuances to a broader audience.
keywords: multilingualism, multilingual theatre, migration, applied theatre