Devised drama, Shakespeare and creativity: Practical work on Othello’s pathos

This paper explores a cross-disciplinary approach to performance studies (devised drama) and creativity, and their role in contemporary communities. Specifically, it discusses the possibilities of using drama practice and Shakespeare’s themes as a means of learning about ourselves and the world we live in. Drawing on observations and discussions conducted during an undergraduate drama programme, the authors experiment with ideas that connect drama to the students’ contexts and favourite social issues. They then examine the impact of teaching drama on students learning as both creative artists and citizens. From these accounts, the authors explore how devising new dramatic characters and scenes can develop students’ powers of critical perception and contribution to the community. Practical work based on “Othello,” a play by W. Shakespeare was used to generate examples of creative practice within the conventions of drama. The paper argues that devised drama on Shakespeare’s themes and characters can be used to address current social issues in contemporary community contexts, and intrigue undergraduate drama students to produce creative work and develop a sense of self and others in the community.