STEP: Policy Group

The international research group 'Project on European Theatre Systems' (STEP) is an initiative of Prof. Dr. Hans van Maanen (University of Groningen, the Netherlands) and Prof. Dr. Andreas Kotte (University of Bern, Switzerland). Main goal is the comparison of the theatre systems of small European countries, because the general research in theatre untill now is dominantly carried out in the bigger countries. At this

moment seven European countries participate: Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Switzerland.

The participating researchers meet yearly during a symposium in one of the countries (Groningen 2005, Bern 2006, Debrecen 2007, Groningen and Tartu 2008, Lissabon 2009, Groningen 2010, Aarhus 2011). The main interest of this meeting is exchange of knowledge and experience and working together on specific topics that should result in publications. It is also a place for PhD and junior researchers to meet senior researchers.

At the moment there are three study groups working on relevant topics: the policy group (autonomy), the values group (methodology of value research) and the city group (international comparison of theatre supply, theatre systems and audiences). These subgroups also meet regularly.

The outcomes of (joined) research will be published in books (including dissertations) in all participating countries, thereby making international comparison possible, as well as reflection on specific regional problems in a broader context.

Policy Group

The Autonomous Actor

Currently, the politics group of STEP is working on a book on autonomy in theatre systems. Using theories ranging from Bourdieu, Latour, Luhmann to Boltanski and Thévenot, we define autonomy as a structural property of theatrical fields. From that perspective we study theatre systems using examples from theatre systems in smaller European countries to explain how agents in theatrical fields not only are governed by but also make use of autonomy for their own ends. The book closes with a discussion of para-theatrical forms to investigate to what extent ‘new’ theatrical practices, such as community theatre and stand-up comedy, warp theatrical fields and influence their autonomy. The book aims to explain these concepts for undergraduate students.

A basis for this book has been presented at the FIRT conference in Munich 2010. In a panel on the PSI conference in Leeds (June 27-30^th, 2012) a more in-depth presentation will be given.

Pages

Policy Group