Obecność sztuki teatralnej w codzienności życia społecznego : nowe obszary zainteresowań pedagogiki społecznej

The book shows the presence and engagement of theatre art in everyday social life. In order to display the constant presence of theatre and theatrical activities in everyday perspective, it presents – broadly – the constitution of theatre art, both in international space and in Poland. The orientation towards a widespread presence and availability of theatre in every historical period became the incentive towards presenting its role in social practices in the context of social pedagogy. It is an attempt to present the possibilities of employing art in the area of pedagogical tasks. Presenting the beginnings, the institutionalization and the development of theatre in different geographical regions in a historical perspective sought to illustrate the constant presence of theatrical activities in the history of mankind. Based on source materials, it was purposeful to show that this art form developed from the specific needs of past generations as a form of expression, manifesting feelings, a method of communication, and a form of fulfilling the needs of recreation and leisure. With time, theatre fulfilled increasingly larger social, educational, and emotional-aesthetic roles. While performing those functions, it became an important instrument in social practices: processes of education and upbringing of the younger generations, shaping and experiencing reality, and finally – nurturing moral attitudes and values. It is worth remembering that from the very beginning, theatrical authors and creators referenced everyday human existence in their texts, utilizing both positive attitudes, experiences and situations, as well as negative, problematic phenomena, which demonstrated frailties and flaws of the human nature. Modern dramatic arts substantiate that this topical inclination has not drastically changed throughout the ages; only forms of presentation and means of expression have altered. The work particularly spotlights social-theatrical activities at this time of transformation, and most of all – a time of numerous social conflicts, shortages, and existential and emotional problems. The specificity of theatre – of theatre art – and its permanent curiosity of the surrounding social reality caused the reciprocity (intermingling) of theatre and society to become the norm. This in turn has and still does imply a range of tasks and functions theatre can and admittedly does serve for the society and within its boundaries. This current of activities includes classical, alternative, and amateur troupes, showing that theater (even in its classical form) does not lose its ideas, formulas, and artistry, engaging itself in creating positive images, as well as “correcting”/accentuating negative phenomena in everyday social space through its works, subject matter, form, and presentation venues. Thus, theatre art, as well as quasi-theatrical activities become a form of prophylaxis and compensation, a basic task of social pedagogy. In summary, the contents of this work indicates that through established, basic artistic functions, but also social and educational ones, theatre can and does become a partner for activities of social pedagogy