8. Visualizing Boundaries and Embodying Conflicts: Lessons Learned From a Theatrical Professional Development Program

Abstract

In the 2011-2012 academic year, the Organizational Development and Learning unit and the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology at the University of British Columbia co-developed an interactive theatre project, Conflict Theatre, to engage in discussion around conflict with our audience and to allow us to explore, engage with, and build resilience around workplace conflict in a University staff development context. The objectives of this essay are to narrate our thinking and experiences in developing and performing the interactive theatre sketches, and to share personal reflections from a range of Conflict Theatre participants.