Impact of Interactive Theatre on Community Engagement and Social Awareness

Thesis Abstract

Interactive theatre has increasingly emerged as a dynamic form of artistic expression capable of fostering community participation and enhancing social awareness, particularly within urban contexts where social issues such as inequality, health crises, and civic responsibilities remain prevalent. This study investigates the impact of interactive theatre performances on community engagement and social awareness among residents of a metropolitan area. The primary aim is to assess whether and how interactive theatrical interventions influence participants’ social perceptions, civic behaviors, and community involvement. To achieve these aims, the study sets out specific objectives to evaluate participants’ levels of social awareness before and after engagement with interactive theatre; to identify the extent to which interactive theatre promotes community participation; and to analyze contextual factors that mediate the effectiveness of such interventions. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach grounded in a convergent parallel design to allow comprehensive exploration of both quantitative and qualitative dimensions. The population encompasses adults aged 18 to 65 residing within the target metropolitan area, with a focus on community members who have participated in at least one interactive theatre event within the past year. A stratified random sampling technique will be employed to select 200 participants for quantitative surveys and 20 participants for in-depth qualitative interviews, ensuring diverse representation across age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires measuring social awareness and engagement levels, alongside semi-structured interview guides designed to elucidate personal experiences, perceptions, and contextual influences. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests to examine pre- and post-intervention changes, and multiple regression analyses to identify predictor variables influencing social awareness and community participation. Qualitative data will be subjected to thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s procedure to identify emergent themes related to perceived impact, barriers, and facilitators of community engagement through interactive theatre. The theoretical framework integrates Paulo Freire’s theory of critical consciousness and Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, which underpin the participatory and empowering dimensions of interactive theatrical practices. Expected findings include statistically significant increases in social awareness scores post-intervention and elevated levels of community participation among engaged individuals. Qualitative insights are anticipated to reveal that interactive theatre stimulates critical reflection, fosters empathy, and creates a sense of communal responsibility. The study expects to demonstrate that the participatory nature of interactive theatre, coupled with its contextual relevance, significantly contributes to social change and community cohesion, providing empirical evidence to support its strategic use in social development initiatives. This research contributes to academic discourse by extending the understanding of performative strategies as tools for social transformation, specifically emphasizing empirical validation within urban community contexts. It bridges gaps identified in prior literature concerning the mechanisms through which interactive theatre influences social attitudes and behaviors, offering a nuanced analysis of contextual factors driving effectiveness. The findings will inform policymakers, practitioners, and artists on best practices for designing participatory theatre projects aimed at community development, social justice, and civic education. The main conclusion indicates that interactive theatre is a potent catalyst for fostering social awareness and community engagement, with measurable impacts on participants’ perceptions and behaviors. Based on the results, it is recommended that community development agencies incorporate interactive theatrical practices into their outreach and education programs, emphasizing participatory and culturally relevant approaches. The study further advocates for longitudinal research to examine long-term impacts and the scalability of such interventions across diverse socio-cultural settings. Ultimately, this investigation underscores the transformative potential of participatory theatre as a strategic instrument for fostering active citizenship and social cohesion in contemporary urban societies.