The human quest for meaning : theatre as a vehicle for dialogue

Abstract

“The Human Quest for Meaning” is a critical analy- sis of a theatre project and its post-performance webinars held to discuss the thematic of the production. The theoretical framework of this project investigates in a qualitative manner to what extent a performance can serve as a medium to facilitate dialogue on exis- tentialist issues. The article juxtaposes this study against a literature review embedded in the Christian and non-Christian framework of existentialist philosophy. It proceeds by elucidating further on the methodology endorsed. Taking as a basis the production Agnes of God, the aim was to create a platform of dialogue between the- ists and atheists. This objective is studied through interviews and questionnaires held with the actors, the academics who gave key- note speeches in two webinars, and the audience members. The insights allowed the researchers to delve deeper into the question that this project is asking through an in-depth analysis.