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, "Reconciliation or Reencounter in the Southern Cone of South America: Amnesty, Forgetfulness, Forgiveness, Impunity, Memory, and the Power and Politics of Theatricality" (2008). Master's Theses. 5031.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/5031