Devising a Physical Theatre Piece with Semiotics to Reflect the Issue of Authoritarianism in Schools

Abstract

This article on the creative process presents insights derived from the creative work titled "What the Faccccc!!!" during the creation of a devised theatrical piece at the undergraduate level. The primary objective is to generate Physical Theatre and offer reflections and analyses on the theme of "authoritarianism within school walls," prevalent among Thai youth in secondary education. The creative team employed a devising process, exchanging experiences within the group and engaging in discussions from diverse perspectives on the subject of authoritarianism within school boundaries. The performance concept is that "authoritarianism within school walls results in nothing but loss." The creators developed the content and narrative of the performance through brainstorming, news exploration, and reflective experiences, forming the production by exploring themes, images, emphasizing the use of body language, comparative acting, and codified acting through bodily movements. The narrative of this work presents the experiences of players, representing students, and NPCs (non-player characters), representing teachers who hold authority and may misuse it within an outdated educational system, portrayed as a game. Players navigate through missions that symbolize various challenges within the Thai education system. This work raises awareness of issues in the Thai education system and fosters dialogues regarding authoritarianism within school boundaries.