Performing Statehood in TYA

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Youth Theatre Journal

Volume

22

Publication Date

1-1-2008

First Page

139

Last Page

141

Abstract

In the midst of the 2008 election season, it is interesting to consider the questions of how statehood is performed for children, and how children are asked to perform statehood. Presumably the understandings of "America" that we develop during childhood influence our perspectives (political and otherwise) throughout the rest of our lives, resulting in the familiar "culture wars" over what our children should be taught. I believe we should investigate how productions of theatre for young audiences (TYA) construct "Americaness" and the ways in which they ask children to understand and embody it. Once we understand the ideologies presented, we should research if/how they affect young peoples' perceptions and development.

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