Staging a Theatre of Care: Process-Oriented Work in a Product-Oriented World

We inhabit a society that hurtles towards a finished product exponentially faster than ever before, in seemingly all facets of our lives and our work. We want something and an hour later it is on our doorstep. We toss out last season’s jeans in favor of this season’s new cut without a second thought. We commit to deadlines that are often wildly unrealistic all in the service of advancement and so-called progress.

In this curious conversation, I reflect on a performance project called Journey to the Greatest Gift. My co-collaborator and I spent over a year working with an intentional living community for persons with and without intellectual disabilities to create the original theatrical production celebrating their 50^th anniversary. Through a methodology we now call “A Theatre of Care,” we enact a radical shift in the way the theatre industry seems to be hell-bent on functioning even as it appears to crumble around us.

Come join a conversation that proposes a different way of working – one in which the process is the product, ego is set aside in favor of collaboration, and we just slow down.  No stats, graphs, or charts – just the stories upon stories. This research in practice (of sorts) does what the best research can do – expand our vision of a world you never thought possible.

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) invites all members of the Webster University community to step into the realm of Webster's 'Curious Conversations' series – a monthly rendezvous where the dynamism of current events, the prowess of faculty expertise, and the depths of scholarly inquiry converge for a delightful mix! Our mission? To craft an environment where minds meld and connections flourish, all in an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Each session springs to life by fusing a current event, whether weighty or whimsical, with the scholarly mastery of a Webster University faculty member. Expect engaging discussions with fellow participants, and be sure to make time for the pre- and post-event conversation and connection. Brought to you by ORSP and open to all members of our community, this series invites you to 'BYO' snacks and refreshments, encouraging the sharing of treats and ideas alike. Join us and experience the fusion of fun and knowledge – because at 'Curious Conversations,' learning is a social affair.