Theatre of Change

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Abstract
This article discusses a form of qualitative theatre research known as critical ‘ethno‐drama’. It is based upon a growing body of published work which has previously explained the mechanisms applied during the construction of student performed research narratives. As some readers might already be familiar with the nature of this work, which has been rehearsed in a number of books and journals, descriptions of the construction process are brief. The article seeks to illuminate, with numerous extracts from both published scripts and research data, how this form of theatre attempts to influence a variety of understandings and audiences and how the notion of emancipatory action needs to be refined in relation to theatre involving health issues. Essentially, the article seeks to embrace an understanding of a form of academic research and theatrical presentation which is open to public contestation. Through the examples given it is hoped that the reader gains a ‘feel’ for research performance narratives, particularly the strength and dramatic qualities of informant dialogue, and an idea of their location within strategies of critical pedagogy.

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