Theatrical readings as a means of learning economics

In this paper, we present the features and discuss the results of an innovative technique of teaching economics through theatrical readings, that is writing and staging plays addressing economic issues. We have applied this method to engage students, promoting the understanding of economic principles and encouraging critical reflection. Theatre is a powerful tool that favours the dissemination of economic issues, because it brings about an emotional involvement of the performers and the audience. Theatre allows emotions to improve learning; these are usually neglected in economics pedagogy. We have verified that theatrical readings represent a fruitful complement to the usual ‘chalk and talk’ lectures based on textbooks. Public readings in courses of Economics have given significant results in terms of students’ satisfaction and final marks, especially when the students’ experience encompasses writing plays and staging them. Students who participated in the activities of writing and staging economic plays have shown better knowledge of economic issues and have broadened their abilities in teamwork and public speaking. Moreover, another advantage of using theatre as a learning instrument is that it allows the performers and the audience to compare different visions in dialogical form. Finally, we explain how to introduce this pedagogical practice in courses by sharing our experience and presenting two scripts.