The 17TH RESEARCH FORUM FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH THEATRE ART

Topic: Phenomenon of Space and Environment in Theatre for Children and Youth

As an artistic phenomenon, theatre for children and youth incorporates several aspects of artistic and social action. Each of these aspects is grounded in space and time - in the environment – either as a choice or a necessity. The space in which a theatrical event takes place or an artistic idea is being developed is a cultural framework that - through an act of theatre - acquires new content and perspectives. The environment (as a condition or social dimension) interacting with the theatre opens up possibilities for new choices that can become a subject of art.

Theatre for children and youth offers a perspective on various art forms regarding stage, classroom, site-specific theatre or any other environment in which the actor/puppeteer/performer can utilize art to impact a young audience. The role of the environment in art – both as a stimulating or limiting factor – raises the awareness of responsibility of adults in theatre for children and youth. The methodologies of drama pedagogy, applied theatre and hands-on work with community children and youth have the opportunity to upgrade the environment of various theatrical spaces.

Subtopics:
- The phenomenon of space in the theatrical environment
- Space – the relationship between content and form in theatre for children and youth
- Space as a creativity stimulus for the youngest audience
- Space as an element in theatre for children and youth
- The relationship between space and speech in theatre for children and youth
- Space, sound and the environment
- Language and speech development in the performance space
- Literature and audience in theatre for children and youth
- The environment as a social and ethical responsibility
- New technologies and the environment in theatre for children and youth
- The impact of the environment on theatre for children and youth
- Heritage and the environment

The 17th Research Forum for Children and Youth Theatre Art at the 33rd International Festival of Children's Theatres Subotica, will host youth theatre researchers from all over the world, taking part in a theatre studies laboratory where new questions and perspectives are tackled each year creating new possibilities in theatre for young audiences, as an important aspect of social and cultural life.

Prof. Marijana Prpa Fink, PhD
Head of the Forum