ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how a collective consciousness can be achieved by promoting social cohesion in communities through a storytelling. A storytelling can re-establish interpersonal relationships and mediate intercultural disparities in diverse and post-conflict communities. The chapter argues that storytelling through Playback Theatre has supported the building of a collective consciousness to promote social cohesion as a grassroots peacebuilding initiative in the communities of Nepal by establishing ‘trust’ and forging ‘relationship’ between individuals from previously aggrieved parties. It explores that Playback Theatre provides a space for diverse and marginalized voices to be heard across varied political, regional, cultural, and social spheres to promote social cohesion in communities. The chapter focuses on the relationship-building process between the communities of different backgrounds with regards to culture, caste, religion, and region in the country. Playback Theatre is an interactive theatre-dialogue approach that supports the building of a relationship after the realization of someone’s story and increases a level of collective consciousness and empathy.
