Ethics in Theatre/Drama Education

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed a growing emphasis upon creativity and innovation as a way to promote economic and social development. For example, a recent study prepared for the European Commission by KEA European Affairs (2009), which echoed similar studies in the US, UK, and Australia, called upon the Arts to assist in developing economic competition and social innovation and upon artists to train future generations to be creative, imaginative, and inventive. Although studies of the ability of the Arts to enhance competition and innovation are important, instrumental uses of the Arts must occur within the context of a deep, historically grounded understanding of the Arts. This requires consideration not only of the instrumental functions of Art, and the technical skills required to create art, but also of how education in, and through, the Arts promotes human flourishing.