Theatre and Internationalisation in Australia and Germany: Transitional Stages, Artistic Practices and Institutional Frameworks

This project stages timely, theoretically-informed contributions to current debates about internationalisation, diversity and theatre’s socio-political role. At a time of significant global social transformation, the project establishes how internationalisation affects theatrical processes and aesthetics in Australia and Germany, and how Australian and German theatre have responded dramatically and thematically to internationalization in the world beyond the stage. It examines internationalisation in terms of interlocking international flows of influence, practices, people, funds and works, as well as personal (inter)cultural encounters and cultural transfers. The project establishes how theatre, as an experiential space and a practice that both highlights and mediates cultural difference, might serve as a model for wider transcultural coexistence and acceptance of difference. The project will impact theatre practice, arts administration and funding with practical recommendations on audience engagement and questions of accessibility manifest, for example, in ticket pricing, language use, and socio-cultural barriers.