Theory, praxis and transformation : the dramatic writing of Suzan-Lori Parks as liberatory critical pedagogy.

Abstract

THEORY, PRAXIS AND TRANSFORMATION: THE DRAMATIC WRITING OF SUZAN-LORI PARKS AS LIBERATORY CRITICAL PEDAGOGY Tamika Keene April 18, 2012 This research examined how the dramatic writing of Suzan-Lori Parks functioned as a form of critical pedagogy which may serve to elevate the critical consciousness of African American women. It sought to consider the implications of her dramatic writing in relation to the African American female experience. Specifically, this research explored Parks's dramatic work In The Blood by way of a constructed pedagogical model which utilized Henry A. Giroux's perspective on critical pedagogy and Lisa M. Anderson's perspective of a feminist aesthetic (of theatre). This framework also incorporated methods of a literary deconstructive strategy, a black feminist approach and writing techniques of Parks. This research considered how Parks's work may encourage, or rather incite, women in general, but particularly, African American women to think critically about themselves and their social environment, to move towards social existences which actively oppose hierarchal systems of oppression and repression.