While it may seem like our country is more politically divided than ever, political division has been a recurring theme throughout American history.
The Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the struggle for civil rights, the protests surrounding the Vietnam War and similar events highlight how deeply divided opinions can become. Each of these periods had its own complex set of issues and emotions, and they shaped the nation in significant ways.
Professor Tim Dale, whose academic background is in political science and political theory, believes we should temper our media consumption with a conversation to have a broader view of the issue. During a TEDxUWLaCrosse presentation, Dale explained why it is essential for people to take the individual responsibility of getting news from multiple sources. When that happens, we are more informed of how the story is communicated differently.
I practice Complicating the Narratives, a solutions journalism strategy that helps journalists find new ways to report on controversial issues and polarizing politics. It draws on the experience of experts in conflict mediation.
In"This Thanksgiving, it's not only OK but necessary to talk politics," I presented why we need to connect with and not avoid one another after a grueling election season. Now, I am exploring how theater and the arts can help effectively introduce opposing viewpoints and communicate through those differences.
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The Totality of All Things
Theater has a unique ability to engage audiences through its characters and their experiences, prompting discussions and encouraging reflection on various issues. Presenting relatable stories and diverse perspectives allows viewers to contemplate important themes and societal challenges. This reflective quality can lead to meaningful conversations both during and after performances.
The ongoing debates surrounding reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ issues and immigration (to name a few) have indeed contributed to growing polarization in the United States. These topics often evoke strong emotions and differing viewpoints, leading to intense arguments among individuals and communities. Many people feel passionately about their beliefs, which can create divisions, but it also highlights the importance of dialogue and understanding to bridge these gaps.
In the play "The Totality of All Things," art imitates life. Judith Benson is a liberal-leaning educator well-known for running the award-winning student newspaper at her small-town high school in Indiana. The paper emphasizes the values of truth and integrity in journalism. However, when an anti-gay hate crime occurs in her classroom, it challenges her beliefs about mentoring the next generation of reporters and raises questions about the very nature of truth.
In 2023, playwright Erik Gernand wanted to write about nationwide polarization but knew he couldn't write about current hot topics. "I needed a story with more distance. As a gay man who benefited from the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage, that felt like the right jumping-off point, "he said.
"I think drama in any form can help an audience process their feelings about a topic. When I go see a show, it often gives me an outlet to work through my own thoughts and experiences," said Gernand.
He said the show's narrative is about messy characters struggling through a messy situation. "No one in the play is exactly right or wrong, good or bad. As hard as that is to admit, that's very much the real world, if we like it or not," he said.
“The biggest thing in my mind after I first read ‘Totality’ was how Erik wrote his characters to be flawed and heroic in equal measure,” said director Enrico Spada. “It’s incredibly compelling to watch them grapple with the situation they’re in and argue with each other, because I can just as easily agree with either side. It’s challenging for me as an audience member and really satisfying to work on with actors.”
In one of the pivotal scenes, Judith argues with Micah, the student she assigned to write an article about the incident. "We are journalists. We report the truth. That's how we make this world a better place,” she said in lobbying to name the person who spray-painted a swastika on her classroom bulletin board about same-sex marriage.
Micah opposes outing the classmate, vying that Judith is just as intolerant as the people who oppose same-sex marriage, and urges in part: "Maybe we should look at the whole person, like the totality, before we judge."
Is there a definitive right or wrong position over such topics in a country as clearly divided as ours, as the popular vote demonstrated in this year's presidential election?
For Gernand, it's a losing battle because he believes both Judith and Micah are right in ways, and they're both wrong in ways. “And that's what I love in a climactic scene, a showdown where there's not an easy or obvious way out, maybe even no way out,” he said. “That's great for drama but sadly not for the state of polarization in the country.”
An artistic platform, like theater, can be a productive channel for helping people engage with each other about subjects that can sometimes be uncomfortable to address. (Disclosure: I am the understudy for Principal Benson in the Chicago production of "Totality.")
“Theatre can definitely provide a kind of healing and education by transporting people out of their lives and into someone else’s, so they can practice empathy and broaden their horizons by pondering situations and people they may not normally consider,” said Spada. “I think this play is better than most because it doesn’t tell you what to think or feel, instead presenting a challenge and letting you process it in your own way.”
Theater Impacting Social Change
Throughout history, theater has been a fundamental aspect of human society, serving as a medium for expressing opinions and influencing public perception. It is deeply intertwined with cultural life, reflected not only in the performances but also in the rhetorical techniques employed by politicians. When utilized effectively, theater can be a significant instrument for social change.
Through its year-round programming, Collaboraction Theatre Company, a Chicago nonprofit, explores theater's role in social change.
The group invites its crew and audience members to listen and learn from one another, bringing their disagreements and questions.
In "How theatre can lead to constructive political conversations," Collaboraction's artistic director, Anthony Moseley, and former executive director Marcus Robinson discuss how theater can open people up to more constructive political conversations.
Theater and politics share a profound relationship that dates back to ancient Greece, where theatrical performances were grand for their time, and orators resembled the earliest politicians.
In today's landscape, the spectacle of politics remains similar. It is characterized by bold campaigns and persuasive tactics, with sharp rhetoric and promises prominently featured in mainstream media.
Theater has consistently reflected society, often challenging prevailing norms. Contemporary theater continues to encourage audiences to engage with a variety of ideas while reminding them of significant messages from the past.
This platform offers a unique opportunity to connect with audiences through live, communal experiences, making it a valuable avenue for exploring political concepts and promoting civic engagement.
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The Totality of All Things runs through January 19, 2025, at Redtwist Theatre.
Balta is director of solutions journalism and DEI initiatives for The Fulcrum and a board member of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund, the parent organization of The Fulcrum. He is the publisher of the Latino News Network and a trainer with the Solutions Journalism Network.
