ABSTRACT
The potential for encouraging participation to offer an outlet for communities to voice challenges they are facing that may contest the dominant government rhetoric is important, but it may only be confined to catharsis if it isn’t heard by those who can make change. Chambers’ discussion is related to the management of local participation in development processes, which presents a useful parallel for understanding power dynamics within applied theatre projects that offer a participatory intention. It is the responsibility of practitioners to think carefully about agency and participation and consider which forms are useful, and how to present realistic limits for what is offered that can help participants comprehend the boundaries of the work. The importance of participation and reciprocity inherent in being heard and actively listening must be inclusive of pluralistic narratives to ensure diverse communities are represented to enable space, which Kiwan defines as a place of active citizenship, through supporting participants to feel a sense of connection.
