Comparative Analysis of Political Discourse in Contemporary European and Asian Theatre Art

Thesis Abstract

This study investigates the distinct and convergent elements of political discourse in contemporary European and Asian theatre arts, addressing the growing need to understand cultural and contextual influences on theatrical representations of political issues in a globalized era. Recognizing theatre’s role as a potent societal mirror, the research aims to compare and analyze how political themes, ideologies, and narratives are constructed, communicated, and received within distinct cultural milieus through theatrical performances. The specific objectives include identifying thematic patterns in political discourse across selected European and Asian theatrical productions, examining the socio-political contexts influencing these discourses, and evaluating the theoretical frameworks employed in both regions to articulate political narratives. Employing a comparative qualitative research design, the study draws on a purposive sample of 20 contemporary theatrical productions—10 from Europe and 10 from Asia—selected based on their explicit engagement with political themes and documented performances within the last five years. Data collection involves semi-structured interviews with 15 playwrights, directors, and actors critically involved in these productions, supplemented by in-depth analysis of performance scripts, promotional materials, critics’ reviews, and recorded performances. The thematic analysis approach, supported by NVivo software, is utilized to identify recurrent themes, patterns, and discursive strategies in political messaging. The research also employs discourse analysis grounded in the frameworks of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Politicised Theatre Theory, complemented by the application of Antonio Gramsci’s cultural hegemony and Benedict Anderson’s imagined communities theories to interpret the findings. Expected findings reveal both regional similarities and divergence in the portrayal of political issues; European theatre tends to foreground debates around democracy, nationalism, and human rights, often employing irony and satire, while Asian theatre more frequently addresses state authority, collectivism, and socio-political stability, employing allegory and symbolism. The analysis anticipates that the discourse strategies are deeply embedded within respective socio-political contexts and cultural narratives, reflecting differing approaches to political engagement and artistic expression. The study also expects to find significant variation in the usage of theatrical devices and language to shape political messages, influenced by regional histories, censorship practices, and audience expectations. This research contributes to knowledge by unveiling cross-regional influences and distinctions in the deployment of political discourse within contemporary theatre, enriching understanding of how theatre functions as a form of political communication in diverse socio-cultural settings. It offers a nuanced perspective on the intersection of culture, politics, and art, extending existing theories of political theatre and discourse analysis through a comparative framework. The findings provide critical insights for scholars in theatre studies, political communication, and cultural studies, emphasizing the importance of contextual factors in shaping theatrical political narratives. The main conclusion underscores the significant influence of socio-cultural and political contexts on the form and content of theatrical political discourse, highlighting both shared strategies and region-specific practices. The recommendations advocate for increased trans-regional dialogue among theatre practitioners and scholars to foster mutual understanding and the exchange of innovative political theatrical forms. Furthermore, it suggests the inclusion of digital media and new performance technologies as future areas for research to understand their impact on political discourse in theatre. The study ultimately aims to serve as a foundational reference for further comparative investigations into political theatre, encouraging greater cross-cultural exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration within the global theatre community.