Towards a new 'we': Applied theatre as integration. Issue 3 (1st September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bruun, Ellen Foyn
• Is Part Of: Applied theatre research. Volume 5:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 225
• Page End: 237
• Publication Date: 2017-09-01
• Subjects: Theater in community development -- Periodicals; Drama in community development -- Periodicals; Drama in education -- Periodicals; Theater and society -- Periodicals; 792
• DOI: 10.1386/atr.5.3.225_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-3010

Abstract

This article presents the Norwegian applied theatre project called P:UNKT, which suggests a meeting point, a crossroads and encounters. The aim of the project was to stimulate integration and cultural diversity, with the outreach nature of P:UNKT resulting in new ways of interaction and collaboration across groups and institutions. I conducted research on the project from 2010 to 2012 and three years later, in 2016. I claim that the project enabled ethnic Norwegians and immigrants to create unique storytelling theatre together that transcended the conventional preconceptions of us and them, resulting in the emergence of a new 'we'. This type of social and applied theatre run by a professional, state-funded theatre is not common in Norway. The findings of my research are therefore of relevance to local communities, theatre companies and politicians. The P:UNKT project is an example of the active role that applied theatre can play in shaping Norwegian identity construction in the twenty-first century.