Explaining the Position and the Role of Street Theater in Social Growth Based on John Dewey’s Aesthetic and Educational Reflections

Transcending the confines of the playhouse, street theater expands its scope of influence over streets and communities and goes beyond the traditional rules of the classical stage to establish a deeper connection with different audiences. Street theater artists commit themselves to the realities and issues of society and use the street theatre as a medium to make a difference in the lives of those people with whom conventional theater fails to communicate due to political, economic, and cultural reasons. John Dewey’s views on aesthetics and education seem useful for improving the social and artistic function of street theater, because he prioritizes the functional aspect of art, maintaining that for things to be valued by humans, they need to both fulfill human organismic needs and pave the way for the improvement of lives. To Dewey, the job of philosophy was creating social change, which, he believed, is achievable through education. Based on his point of view, experience shapes the basis of education, the goal of which is to prepare individuals for active and positive participation in society and, as he puts it, “achieving greater growth”. Conducted as desk research, the present study consulted Dewey’s philosophy of aesthetics and education to offer pragmatic ways to empower street theater. The effort found that by relying on Dewey’s ideas and by portraying themes of everyday life, this form of theater can make use of its potentials to change lives and inspire the social, individual, and moral growth of citizens. Moreover, street theater can create empathy among members of society, making them a united whole when it comes to tackling social issues. It is hoped that the study use of Dewey’s philosophy as a source can help street theater artists become accomplished social activists who make society a better place.