Intersecting repertoire
Towards an inclusive, diverse and representative repertoire
Repertoire theatre is at odds with the current diversity debate. The texts and the portrayal of those pieces on stage, are often not inclusive enough: besides an acute shortage for complex roles for minorities, other identity markers (ability, age, ethnicity, skin color, gender,..) aren’t always considered when working with the dramatic repertoire. However, in the wake of #MeToo and Black Lives Matter a change seems to occur: art schools and the theatre landscape are looking for a thorough reformation of repertoire theatre according to the needs of our current society.
This project wants to meet those needs by looking at repertoire theatre from an intersectional perspective and by applying this to our artistic theatre practice for the first time. Intersectionality states that identity and discrimination aren’t unambiguous concepts, but are the result of different overlapping aspects, such as gender, sexuality, ethnicity, ability…
This project aims to develop strategies for a more diverse repertoire theatre that can be used by students, teachers and theatre makers/directors. This project focuses on three main research lines: text, casting and performance. For every aspect Lauranne Paulissen creates strategies with in the end a play as a synthesis. Other output contains an artistic handbook with strategies for a more diverse repertoire theatre, publications, artistic evenings, an Instagram page and a podcast series.
Promotors: Edith Cassiers (Conservatoire) & Timmy De Laet (UAntwerp)
(Image: A. SLIMBROECK DE PEUTER, Vlaamsche toneelverzameling: Tante Clara, Antwerpen: G., J. & E. Janssens, 1903, from Collectie Stad Antwerpen, Erfgoedbibliotheek Hendrick Conscience)
