“Yet through such connection…” Building Anti-Racist and Culturally Responsive Drama Programs in Rural Communities

Abstract

With the rise of white supremacist ideologies in the United States in recent years, the need for more place-based anti-racist teaching practices has become increasingly apparent, especially in rural areas where resentment towards ‘liberal,’ urbanized society is often embedded within the identity of rural folks. Educational theatre practices can help students in these places practice empathy and learn about the experiences of others outside of their own bubble of understanding. How can theatre classrooms, specifically in culturally hegemonically white, rural communities, teach in more intentionally anti-racist and culturally inclusive ways? In this article, the author outlines the process of creating a verbatim documentary theatre script, or ethnodrama, entitled Yet through such connection… based on interviews with teachers, parents, former students, community members, and artists who were or are currently involved in high school theatre programs in rural Vermont that seeks to answer this question. Conversations with the community following the creation of the piece highlight the need to release the internalized shame some folks have living in a homogenous community, recognize student and community experiences, and create place-based, student story led performance opportunities that can open the door to anti-racist and inclusive dialogues.