For the last decade or so, along with my learning partners, I have been developing a story-based theater methodology for social science research. Using a combination of Boalian theater of the oppressed, Freirian liberators pedagogy and my own lifelong experience as a theater artist, I have been designing these techniques for the purpose of “generating” ideas and co-creating knowledges, that then become data to inform the collaborative research that I do with my community and academic partners. Previously, we have used these techniques for art-making and you can find out more about that work at http://aguakinesis.edublogs.org/
For my current/dissertation project, I am honored to be working in collaboration with Movimiento Ríos Vivos in Antioquia, Colombia. MRV is made up of 14 campesina/o along the Río Cauca (or Patron Mono as they call their beloved river) working in resistance to the Hidroituango hydroelectric mega-project that has caused irreparable environmental and social damage to this area.
Stay tuned for updates on my research here.