Aesop’s Idols: Nationalization of Classic Texts to Create a Culture of Inclusion

Abstract

The Westside Inclusive Theatre Company (WIT) was initially created in 2010 by, with, and for students as a way to build community and tackle oppression together through theatre. A group of advanced theatre students at a public high school in Houston chose to partner with excluded special education students to create and interpret theatre, art and dance in an inclusive environment. All participants (mainstreamed, life-skills, special education and regular education) worked together to teach, learn, and create. WIT has since developed into a company dedicated not only to teaching life skills through theatre, but also to creating an inclusive community. This narrative of practice highlights the methods used to facilitate, assess and stratify learning outcomes in order to create a culture of inclusion. Case studies from the devising and performance of Aesop’s Idols are used to illustrate how and what constitutes an inclusive culture. The current WIT model focuses on Augusto Boal’s nationalization of classic texts to reinforce vocational/life skills training and generate alternative communication methods. The use of peer-mentoring, progressive pedagogies and applied theatre aesthetics derives ownership and authenticity within the performance praxis. Increases in cognitive and vocational skill development occur across the spectrum of participants.