Critical Engagement is an umbrella project that aims to encourage active participation in democratic
processes by engaging the people of the Solent region in critical dialogue about .

• local, regional and national issues
• developments in science, medicine and technology
• the mechanisms of democracy

by using theatre (and related participatory activities) in a wide variety of community contexts that attempts to:

• Provoke debate
• Demystify the processes and institutions of democracy
• Bridge the divide between local politics and the realities of everyday life

Theatre has long been an instrument of democracy. Perhaps more than any other art form, theatre can embody
both the creative and political, allowing audiences to contemplate and question the society they live in. It is no
surprise that throughout history the first act of any oppressive regime has been to shut down the theatres.

Who?
Our target audience are adults of voting age and young people in Key Stages 3 and 4. Whilst some of the projects
will be contributing to school/college based citizenship education, we are very aware of the number of schemes and
initiatives targeted at this age group by other organisations.

What?
Whilst each project within the umbrella will be slightly different each will be characterised by a number of
common elements:

• A short performance of a well known novel or new play with contemporary relevance. Produced by a team of
  professional actors, directors and designers.
• A facilitated discussion or debate.
• Use of electronic voting equipment.
• Hypothetical role play scenarios.
• Interactive multimedia.
• Expert guest speakers.
• A 'What can I do about it' session.

Where? Anywhere but in a theatre .
Let's make one thing clear - this is not a theatre project about democracy. It is a democracy project that uses theatre
as a methodology. The distinction is very important to us. As a result you are more likely to encounter a Critical
Engagement project in a social club, school hall or a staff canteen than in an actual theatre.