Towards Civic Theatre: A Conversation with Cas Mudde

Cas Mudde is a leading scholar of populism and extremism. He is the author of several books, including Populism: A Very Short and The Far Right Today. He is also a professor of political science at the University of Georgia.

In this wide-ranging interview, Mudde discusses the role of theatre in civic life, the challenges facing democracy, and the importance of creativity.

The Role of Theatre in Civic Life

What is the role of theatre in civic life?

Theatre can play a vital role in civic life by providing a space for people to come together, engage with each other, and explore important issues. It can help to build bridges between different communities, promote understanding, and encourage dialogue.

Theatre can also be used to raise awareness about important social and political issues. It can help to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and inspire people to take action.

The Challenges Facing Democracy

What are the biggest challenges facing democracy today?

Democracy is facing a number of challenges today, including:

• The rise of populism and nationalism
• The spread of misinformation and disinformation
• The decline of trust in institutions
• The growing gap between rich and poor
• The climate crisis

These challenges are putting democracy under strain and making it difficult to address the problems facing our world.

The Importance of Creativity

What role can creativity play in addressing the challenges facing democracy?

Creativity is essential for addressing the challenges facing democracy because it allows us to think outside the box and come up with new solutions to old problems. It can help us to imagine a better future and inspire us to take action to create it.

Theatre is a powerful tool for creativity. It can be used to create new ways of thinking about the world, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges between different communities.

Towards Civic Theatre

What is civic theatre?

Civic theatre is a type of theatre that is focused on engaging with the community and addressing important social and political issues. It is often used to promote dialogue, build understanding, and inspire action.

Civic theatre can take many different forms, from traditional plays and performances to interactive workshops and community events.

What is the future of civic theatre?

The future of civic theatre is bright. As the challenges facing democracy grow, the need for theatre to engage with these issues will only become more important.

Theatre can play a vital role in building a more just and equitable world. By providing a space for people to come together, engage with each other, and explore important issues, theatre can help to strengthen democracy and create a better future for all.