The Human Quest for Meaning: Theatre as a Vehicle for Dialogue

Abstract

“The Human Quest for Meaning” is a critical analysis 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 existentialist 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 theists and atheists. This objective is studied through interviews and questionnaires held with the actors, the academics who gave keynote 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.