Lexicon

This chapter offers summative definitions of key terms within Applied Theatre. All art forms communicate via aesthetics: these are conventions, rituals, materials through which understanding and feeling are shared among art-makers and audiences. In Western culture the artist has traditionally been thought of as a special person, set apart from the lesser mortals who lack their genius by the depth of their insights and the skills by which they communicate them. At-Risk is a label that acts as an expectation of behaviour and as such has led to policies that may demonise youth in their prediction of possible life outcomes. A principle of applied theatre is that it must work democratically. However, there are, in practice, many definitions of democracy. As a working principle of our discipline, it means much more than its common meaning in political discourse. A new area of applied theatre is emerging that makes use of the integration of digital technologies within community projects.