Multiple perspectives, loyalties and identities: exploring intrapersonal spaces through research‐based theatre

Abstract

This paper recounts the investigative journey of a small group of faculty and graduate students at the University of British Columbia who extensively employed research‐based theatre methods to collaboratively and performatively explore three distinct but related contexts that represent critical ‘moments’ in the professional lives of educators and artists. By blending participatory action research with theatre‐based inquiry, the researchers explored some of the complex interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics that significantly shape the manner in which everyday dialogues unfold between professionals in both educational and artistic spaces. Through the process of theatricalizing data into an integrated script, and then rehearsing and performing this material in front of several different audiences, various realities were uncovered that elicited a heightened awareness of the multiple voices, loyalties and perspectives that commonly characterize professional and personal interactions. This paper discusses some of the ethical and methodological challenges associated with this work, as well as some of the implications it may have for further investigating the relational dynamics that commonly occur within organizational settings.