Devising Commedia as an Antiracist Theatre Practice in The Artful Token

Abstract

This presentation will recount some of Jordan Rosin's key insights from producing and directing an ensemble-devised Contemporary Commedia adaptation of Goldoni's The Artful Widow with undergraduate students at Virginia Tech, employing a process which combined The Ume Group's Devising Methodology, Liz Lerman's Critical Response Process, Theatrical Intimacy Education-inspired boundary practices, and Nicole Brewer's Antiracist Theatre principles. Major insights revolve around opportunities and limitations of Commedia as an antiracist/anti-oppressive practice, as well as the synergies between consent, harm prevention, Liz Lerman's CRP, Emergent Strategy, and the roles of actor-creator and director-as-facilitator.