JODCAAT Volume 2 Number 1 2024

CROSS-CULTURAL EXCHANGE IN COMMUNITY THEATRE: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Bukunmi Deborah, AJITONI
Abstract

Cross-cultural exchange in community theatre provides a distinctive and dynamic lens through which global ideas can be investigated and comprehended. This research investigates the multiple interactions and influences that occur when various cultural expressions intersect in community theatre contexts. The study examines numerous case studies from diverse countries to demonstrate how community theatre acts as a platform for cultural discussion, encouraging mutual understanding, respect, and creative creativity among participants. The paper examines the mechanics of cultural adaptation, the obstacles and opportunities of cross-cultural collaboration, and the transforming influence on local communities. The case studies demonstrate how community theatre may bridge cultural boundaries, improve social cohesion, and increase creative expression by bringing various cultural narratives and artistic traditions together. The study also looks at how practitioners might facilitate these conversations, highlighting the importance of cultural awareness, adaptability, and new techniques. The findings highlight community theatre's ability to serve as a catalyst for social change, encouraging communities to embrace diversity and collaborate on common goals. This research intends to add to the larger conversation on cultural exchange and give useful insights for practitioners, scholars, and policymakers interested in the transformative impact of community theatre in a global setting. Finally, the paper urges for the acknowledgment and promotion of community theatre as an important component of cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.

Keywords: community, cross-cultural, exchange, global, perspectives, theatre
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