Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Department

Honors Academy- (Honors Self-Design Major)

Additional Departmental Affiliation

Theatre and Dance

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

“One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. They will gravitate as automatically as the needle to the north. Somehow, it is unnecessary, in any cold-blooded sense, to sit down and put your head in your hands and plan them. All you need to do is to be curious, receptive, eager for experience. And there’s one strange thing: when you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt, You Learn by Living The power that is wielded when people come together to engage in discussion, application, and exploration of the state of their community is unlike any other power. When that exploration is done through artistic outlets, the work transitions from discussion into creation, and creation is where we find innovation. This project is a collection of examples, testimonies, stories, and methods that explore the power of storytelling and community engagement as restorative practice. It is the written part of my broader Capstone Experience which culminated in the creation of Cardinal Cross arts collective. This work builds on my curiosity and drive to learn by doing, and functions as a portfolio of work that I, as an artist and culture bearer, have engaged with, observed, learned from, and created. The theme that is carried through this project is that of artistic expression and education for social change and restoration, in various forms. I have chosen several different artistic movements and programs that each contribute in making social change in communities. Further, I have worked traveled widely to observe the power and restorative power of storytelling in building community. This project consists of case studies, a personal method for the devising process, reflections, and the development of a 21st century arts collective that embodies the various aspects of which I have researched.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Elizabeth Gish, Carol Jordan

Disciplines

Theatre and Performance Studies

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