The Resilient Stage: How Theatre is Becoming a Frontline for Cultural Survival and Community Building
In early May, as Theatre Novi Most’s powerful production of Abbey Fenbert’s Sickle – a story of Ukrainian resistance during the Holodomor – premiered in Minneapolis, a chilling parallel unfolded. Hundreds of arts organizations across the U.S., including Novi Most, received notice of rescinded NEA grants. This wasn’t merely a funding setback; it was a stark illustration of a growing trend: the arts, and particularly those amplifying marginalized voices, are increasingly positioned as expendable in a climate of political and cultural upheaval. But as the cast of Sickle demonstrated, responding with a defiant chorus of Ukrainian song, the stage is proving to be far from silent – it’s becoming a vital space for resistance, reclamation, and rebuilding community.
From Ukraine to Brazil: Theatre as a Tool of Resistance
Sickle isn’t an isolated example. The play’s resonance lies in its connection to a global phenomenon: the use of theatre as a means of cultural preservation and political defiance. As highlighted in a recent issue of American Theatre, this spirit is mirrored in the work of Brazilian theatre collectives like Mungunzá Container Theater in São Paulo. These groups, operating outside traditional institutions, utilize performance to “unsettle dominant practices” and reclaim narratives suppressed by colonial histories. Both Novi Most and Mungunzá demonstrate a crucial point: theatre isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about survival – storytelling and survival across imposed borders.
The Erosion of Arts Funding and the Rise of Community-Based Models
The NEA grant cancellations are symptomatic of a broader assault on the arts and humanities. Attacks on DEI initiatives, defunding of libraries and museums, and executive orders targeting education and immigration all contribute to a climate where civic responsibility and community care are under threat. This isn’t simply about dollars and cents; it’s about a deliberate dismantling of the infrastructure that supports critical thinking, empathy, and social cohesion. In this environment, traditional funding models are proving increasingly unreliable, forcing arts organizations to innovate.
Beyond the Proscenium: Reaching Audiences Where They Are
One compelling response is the shift towards community-based engagement. Out of Hand Theater in Atlanta, for example, has found success with its “Shows in Homes” series. By bringing performances directly into people’s living rooms, they’ve bypassed traditional barriers to access and fostered dialogue across divides. This model, detailed in reporting by Jim Farmer, demonstrates the power of collaboration with non-arts partners to build support and generate sustainable revenue. It’s a move away from the expectation that audiences will come to the theatre, and towards a proactive effort to bring the theatre to the audience.
The Power of Shared Stories and Indigenous Wisdom
The success of these initiatives hinges on a fundamental principle: the power of shared stories. As the theatre community looks for ways to navigate these challenging times, there’s a growing recognition of the wisdom embedded in Indigenous traditions and the cultures of the global majority – a wisdom that emphasizes connection, collaboration, and collective action. This isn’t about appropriating cultures, but about learning from practices that have long prioritized community resilience and cultural preservation. It’s about recognizing that storytelling is not merely a form of entertainment, but a vital tool for building empathy, fostering understanding, and inspiring change.
Building Coalitions and Amplifying Marginalized Voices
The current moment demands a more inclusive and collaborative approach to arts funding and programming. Organizations must actively seek out partnerships with community groups, social justice organizations, and other stakeholders to amplify marginalized voices and build broader coalitions for change. This requires a willingness to move beyond traditional boundaries and embrace new models of artistic production and distribution. It also requires a commitment to advocating for policies that support the arts and humanities as essential components of a healthy civic society. The future of **theatre** isn’t just about what happens on stage; it’s about the connections forged, the conversations sparked, and the communities strengthened in the process.
What will it take to ensure that the resilient spirit exemplified by Theatre Novi Most and countless other arts organizations continues to thrive? Share your thoughts on the evolving role of theatre in the comments below!
