A Study on the Possibility of Liberal Theatre Class Employing Documentary Theatre Focusing on Die Ermittlung and The Acting Motivation

Abstract

Documentary theatre is not only notable for its trends among contemporary theatre, but also for its various characteristics, many of which can connect learners' lives and society, as well as draw upon their critical cognition and convergent thinking skills. This article notes the educational implications found in documentary theatre, and discusses the possibility of liberal theatre courses employing documentary theatre. Classes like this convey knowledge of the theatre and is attempts to learn through it. In addition, various practical activities can be carried out by utilizing the convergence properties of the theatre, and from these activities learners can experience something quite aesthetic in nature that they otherwise might have missed. In this sense, this paper focuses on Die Ermittlung and The Acting Motivation. In traditional documentary theatre, Die Ermittlung, which deals with social issues, can provide an opportunity to critically recognize social problems. On the other hand, from the auto-documentary theatre we have The Acting Motivation, which expands the concept of documentary theatre that was previously discussed, and also reflects on the lives of young people and the society they must relate to. Not only can learners acquire knowledge of the theatre, but they can also reflect on society and themselves through its productions. In addition, the step-by-step activities attempted in conjunction with this class aim at helping students solve problems, and to express themselves using a theatrical-based imagination. The purpose of the final step of the program--the appreciation and reflection process--is to integrate learning with individual experiences, and to further find new questions. Through these discussions, the possibility of using documentary theatre as a practical model for convergence education and another class models is presented.