Dramatizing Democracy

In what ways do the rhetorics of creative expression (theatre, stories, film) and political persuasion (speeches, slogans, media) overlap and diverge?

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How has political rhetoric historically mobilized, divided, or transformed societies?

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How do political figures use social and digital media as stages for persuasion––and how does virality shape civic understanding and action?

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How do communication, storytelling, theatre, and public performance shape citizens’ trust, empathy, and sense of belonging?

Investigate how persuasion, storytelling, and performance shape civic life and public trust. Dive into protest speeches, presidential debates, dramatic scenes, and more to examine how language and spectacle blur fact with fiction and influence democratic participation. Working in teams––and with the support of your faculty and consultants––you'll pursue original research using methods from across disciplines and create public-facing projects like community discussions, performances, or media tools. Together, we will learn to connect creative research with civic action, asking what it might take to rebuild trust, deepen understanding, and serve the public good.

Collaborators & Consultants

• Karen Jean Martinson, ASU Asst. Professor of Theatre/theatre & democracy expert
• ASU Osher Lifelong Learning Center (OLLI)
• ASU Institute of Politics
• ASU Center for Free Speech
• ASU Dialogues for Democracy
• ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy

Dramatizing Democracy in the News

At the Humanities Lab, we strive to ensure our Labs are relevant and current. Here are some recent articles about Dramatizing Democracy in recent news.

'Memeification of Politics': What to Know About Jubilee Media's Viral Debate Show "Surrounded"

Caught in the Crossfire: How Political Attacks Erode Public Trust in Local News