Date of Award
4-2008
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Emily Hauptmann
Second Advisor
Dr. Alan Isaak
Third Advisor
Dr. Arnie Johnston
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This thesis explores how scholars have defined reconciliation along with the difficulty of doing so. Focusing especially on the Chilean and Argentinean experiences, I argue for the necessity of attaining political or national reconciliation after periods of violent authoritarian rule. I consider truth and reconciliation commissions and detail the mandates under which some have operated. My premise is that although truth and reconciliation commissions are a wonderful tool for facilitating reconciliation, their legalistic and structured nature keeps them from being all that is needed to achieve reconciliation. I suggest that the creative nature of theatre makes it the perfect complement to the work of the commissions. I comment on the malleable nature of theatre and why it is such a successful tool both for oppressors in maintaining their superior status as well as for victims in their struggles to overcome their oppression. I conclude by surveying some works of theatre from Argentina and Chile and their contributions towards achieving reconciliation.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Lee Ann, "Reconciliation or Reencounter in the Southern Cone of South America: Amnesty, Forgetfulness, Forgiveness, Impunity, Memory, and the Power and Politics of Theatricality" (2008). Masters Theses. 5031.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/5031