Participatory Theatre
Purpose
To explore complex social and ecological issues through interactive performance, enabling participants to reflect on values, emotions, and decision-making. This method fosters empathy, critical thinking and collective imagination – making it especially powerful for engaging with biodiversity, justice and systemic change.
Key Features
Participants:
- Recommended group size: 20–35
- Suitable for school groups, Learning Communities, or community organisations
- Works best when participants have some familiarity with one another
Estimated Timeframe:
- Single session: ~3 hours (including warm-up, performance, and debrief)
- Extended formats: multi-session co-creation over weeks/months
Budget Level:
- Medium to High
- Costs may include facilitator or theatre group fees, venue hire, props, refreshments, and travel
Materials Needed:
- Large room with space for movement
- Basic props, scenery, and costumes
- Refreshments
- Transport support for participants and facilitators
- Optional: audio-visual equipment for documentation
- Institutionally approved ethical information and consent forms (if collecting data)
Skills Required:
- Group facilitation and emotional sensitivity
- Drama-based methods (role-play, improvisation)
- Project coordination and logistics
- Adaptability and ethical awareness
Case Study
Method in Practice
Context of Use
Used in the PLANET4B education case study in Hungary with secondary school students. The play Blindspot, developed by Káva Theatre Group and WWF Hungary, explored the commodification of a healing plant and its ecological and social consequences. Students stepped into roles within a fictional company, navigating tensions between economic growth and biodiversity loss.
How It Worked
Actors introduced a scenario, then invited participants to intervene, take on roles and shape the narrative. Participants debated dilemmas, improvised responses, and explored alternative futures. The session concluded with a reflective dialogue linking the performance to real-world contexts.
Engagement & Participation
Participants engaged through acting, directing, and discussion. The method allowed for varied levels of involvement, including observation. Facilitators ensured emotional safety and inclusivity, with space for multiple viewpoints and creative expression.
Outcomes & Insights:
- Deepened understanding of biodiversity-related trade-offs
- Fostered emotional literacy and moral reasoning
- Strengthened group cohesion and empathy
- Sparked dialogue on systemic change and personal agency
- Enabled creative exploration of alternative futures
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths:
- Highly engaging and emotionally resonant
- Supports critical thinking and collaborative learning
- Adaptable to diverse groups and themes
- Encourages embodied and experiential understanding
- Can catalyse dialogue, reflection and action
Considerations:
- Requires skilled facilitation and ethical care
- Not all participants may feel comfortable performing
- Emotional intensity may arise; support must be available
- Preparation and co-creation can be time-intensive
- Budget and logistics need careful planning
