Theatre and Quality of Life

This edited collection explores the transformative impact of theatre on personal and societal well-being in contemporary digitalized societies. In this compelling work, the editors and chapter authors examine how theatrical arts-whether through performance, participation, or observation-can enhance individual quality of life, foster emotional resilience, and promote social cohesion. Drawing from various interdisciplinary sources, this volume delves into the therapeutic potential of theatre, its role in community building, and its contribution to emotional and mental health. It invites readers to view the power of theatre not only as entertainment but as a catalyst for positive change in individuals and communities alike. Designed for scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts of theatre, psychology, and sociology, this volume is particularly relevant for those in therapeutic fields, educators, and artists keen to understand deeper connections between the performing arts and human flourishing.

Paolo Corvo is Associate Professor at the University of Gastronomic Sciences, where he teaches travel cultures and social change, and social video design of food. He in interested in topics related to cultural consumption, with special reference to the relationship between food, TV series, cinema and theatre performances, food and consumption, sustainable food and wine tourism, and indicators of quality of life, well-being and happiness. He has carried out researches and training activities for public and private corporations on arguments related to cultural sociology, tourism and the socio-economic development of the territory, the processes of globalization and civil society. Ilaria Riccioni is Associate Professor of General Sociology at the Free University of Bolzano, italy. She received her Ph.D. in Theory and Social Research at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” on the social anticipation of the Avant-garde art of Futurism. She is since 2018 President of the Research Committee of the Sociology of Arts at the ISA, International Sociological Association. She has been doing research and seminars in Italy, France, Austria, UK, USA and Australia on social theory, cultural studies and art as factor for social anticipation and change. She has been developing research on multiculturalism in bilingual regions, arts as factor for social cohesion and political participation and recently is carrying out research on the social and political impact of the theatre.

Introduction.- Part I: Structures.- Theatre as an indicator for social participation and well-being in contemporary western societies.- Arts and the Perceived Quality of Life in British Columbia.- The theatre as a Liminal Genre: Interferences Between a Social Indicator and a Social Agent.- Social implications in Amleto.- Part II: Practices.- Bodies, Voices, and Stories. Dramatherapy for Social and Psychological Change.- Theatre, Violence, and Collective Memory.- Setting the Stage: Unlocking Future Skills in the Performing Arts Sector.- Their Story, Our History: Some Conclusions After First Post-Lockdown Live Stage Performances. An Experience in Madrid and Sevilla: ON AIR, 2021.- Terceira and its Carnival. Community, Theatre, and Quality of Life.- Part III: Actors.- A Theatre for the City: the Case of the Prose Seasons at the Donizetti Theatre in Bergamo.- Confession of a Director.- Meeting Ourselves Improving Our Life Through Theatre.