A/r/tography as performative pedagogy in theatre production

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7577/ar.5491

Keywords:

youth theatre, theatre for young audiences, theatre production, a/r/tography, performative pedagogy, performative research, reference group, devising

Abstract

This article examines how a/r/tography can be used as performative pedagogy in theatre production. Based on Rita Irwin's view of a/r/tography as a dynamic way of learning we explore how bachelor students in drama/theatre can embody the role of artist-researcher-teacher. The empirical data stems from a course in devised theatre. Each student group produced a performance in collaboration with young people, and the role of the drama teacher was central for the artistic process. In the analysis we found three key insights for the implementation of a/r/tography as a learning strategy: (1) emphasis on artistic will paired with the teacher’s deep listening skills, (2) emphasis on modelling experiential knowledge as teaching/learning strategy, and (3) the benefit of the a/r/tografic researcher position. All in all, we see that the students’ awareness of the interweaving of the three roles, artist-researcher-teacher, facilitated a deeper learning and understanding of the theatre production process and the reference group’s life world.

Photo: Eirik Brenne Torsethaugen

Author Biographies

Ellen Foyn Bruun, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Ellen Foyn Bruun is Professor emerita in drama and theatre at  NTNU, Department of Art and Media Studies.

Lene Helland Rønningen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Lene Helland Rønningen is Associate professor in drama and theatre at  NTNU, Department of Art and Media Studies.

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Three drama students playing

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Published

2024-12-16

How to Cite

Bruun, E. F., & Rønningen, L. H. (2024). A/r/tography as performative pedagogy in theatre production. Nordic Journal of Art & Research, 13(3), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.7577/ar.5491

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2024): Living as an a/r/tographer—A Nordic perspective (part 1)

Section

Articles, peer reviewed

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Copyright (c) 2024 Ellen Foyn Bruun, Lene Helland Rønningen

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