Literacy in ACTion: Using Theatre to Read the Word and the World Through Critical Pedagogy, Image Theatre and Comic Creation with Youth

Abstract

This thesis examines Literacy in ACTion, a drama-based participatory project developed and implemented by the author. The project took place in 2009 at an alternative high school in San Diego, California, that provides continued schooling to expelled students considered “at risk.” The project embraced multiple theoretical influences from applied theatre and emancipatory education to create a cross-curricular learning experience connecting drama, English, media arts, literacy, comic creation and life skills. It incorporated Theatre of the Oppressed techniques such as Image Theatre into Literacy curriculum, providing youth with opportunities to engage in critical literacy and pedagogy by encouraging discourse on social issues and stigmas affecting youth. The culmination of the project, a controversial student-created comic book, acted as a stage for youth to document their understanding of the issues explored through the dramatic process.