Bridging Distances: Exploring Social Dynamics Through Participatory Theatre
In contemplating the Tunnel Boulevard project, I reflected deeply on the various distances that emerge within communities due to shifts in interpersonal relationships. Particularly in the post-pandemic era, humanity has undergone significant transformations. The once seamless fabric of life has been disrupted by isolation measures and the spread of disease, fundamentally altering the proximity between individuals. This revelation, highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores a substantial shift in social distance, further emphasizing the dynamic nature of human connections.
Thus, in designing the citizen participation parade for Tunnel Boulevard, I intend to intentionally break down these distances by actively engaging actors and spectators. This aims to foster a bridge between people and regional considerations, creating opportunities for dialogue among residents. For me, social design transcends the mere imposition of viewpoints onto communities; it involves continuous observation and exploration of interconnectivity.
This exploration finds tangible application in the Tunnel Boulevard tunnel’s unique setting and Mosso restaurant’s public space. Through the procession of actors, we aim to cultivate dialogue between these two locations, thus presenting an experiential social design practice. Employing theatrical performance as a medium, we unite these communities. It’s essential to note that I do not wish to simply categorize this event as a performance, as overarching titles and concepts may adversely affect civic engagement. Instead, I emphasize that we are crafting a ritualistic theatrical experience for Via Padova to experiment with participatory art and social distance under the framework of social design.
In summary, we endeavor to create a ritualistic theatrical experience that bridges communities, exploring the dynamics of social design within the structure of participatory engagement. Through the fusion of art and community involvement, we seek to redefine connections and foster a more profound sense of unity in the fabric of society.
