Art

    In the course of human history, there were several efforts made in line with social transformation  some of it shall be categorized in passive or violent form.  Social transformation appears to be a continuing need of man since there is also a continuous saga of poverty, hunger, war, and cultural differences.  By social transformation, we mean to empower individuals in order to remake or to reconstruct the society (Goldbard, 2001, p. 128).  And if politicians way to remake the society is through their provisions of laws and policies, the artists ways are quite different.  It is through their collective effort to produce shows and acts that suggests cultural meetings.  In one of her statement, Goldbard (2001) recognize the duty of the artists to take part in social transformation by means of
(Goldbard, 2001) constantly improve our artwork in content and function, to reconstruct in light of heightened political understandings, and to assume full responsibility for the meaning and message of our work (p. 128).

    Even in the early years, in the time of former President Reagan, for example, theater artists already feel that they belong to the arena of political conflicts and social distress, thus, realizing that theater is not just a mere form of art, rather a catalyst, an expression of independence and rebellion against distresses in the society  for theater is a drama of social reality, at least in the perception for those who live for it and within it.

    Goldbard (2001) believed, since her membership in various theater movements in the past decades, which they key for social transformation, is the desire within every individuals inner being (p. 129).  And upon her experiential being, people are becoming tired of the usual movements for social transformation  that s inclined with politics.  As for the new generation, change shall be from within oneself, and one thing that can flourish such inner change is to express it without inhibitions.  In that part, theater should have been a better medium.  Goldbard (2001) also recognized the role of art in foreshadowing every peoples sentiments, from songs to personal stories, all of which have catalyzed change (if not for majority, at least in the intrapersonal context) because of the expression of emotions.

    The idea is, when theater is utilized as a form for social transformation, it creates civic dialogue (Goldbard, 2001, p. 130), wherein the uncompromised parts of the society are given the opportunity to make linkage, more like an understanding, to settle matters whether in verbal or non verbal means.  However, despite its efforts to take part in social transformation, theater has continuously receiving critiques of dismissal or withdrawal from sectors of the society.   In terms of linkage or connection, there is one thing that theater and people have in common  and that is the proliferation of cultural diversity.  Because it is an undeniable fact that theater is an expression and perhaps a revolution of certain cultures, it directly appeals to the mind and inner beings of people.  Theater cannot transform society, that is for sure, but its influence and connection to individuals diminished the boundaries.  It is more like coordination between theater as an art and people to do the mechanical tasks.

    One validation that theater has indeed taken its importance in social transformation is during the time of Reagan wherein public arts received so many attacks.  But definitely, it was also during this time that theater has been recognized as an effective tool in religious-right organizations using direct-mail campaigns.

    For Tony Kusher (2001), it is not only the political theaters that can reinforce social change, although it is a fact that majority of recognized art to transform social acts are in the political theme.  To think, there are various forms and representations of theater arts, but not all of them can aid in social transformation.  That is because, is not enough for someone to make a good art (Kushner, 2001, p. 63).  Rather, it is important than the maker shall consider that the world has a need for that art and in finality, it has to be presented in a manner that is responsive to the call of the society.  The world has variations of presentations theaters and representations of art but notice that not all of them are potential catalysts for social change.  Perhaps, one reason that theater continues to receive criticisms and attacks from some sectors of the society is because not all of its forms are intended for social change.  And maybe, since not all of its forms are for social transformation solely, theater is not able to maximize its capacity to change and alter distresses in the society.  Among the most common forms of theater in line with social transformation are presented in ways of activism, resistance, and liberations.  Personally, I think I might agree that every endeavor of an artist, particularly in theater, is an act of activism.  There is a spirit of rebellion in every theater artist that seeks to be foreshadowed in a broader and more intellectual form, and that is in the ways of theatrical art.  Even though that theater cannot be perceived as  a tool for social transformation, one thing is certain, and that is there is an entity within every carrier of art that seeks to attain self improvement and more importantly, social transformation.

    Doug Paterson, as cited by Kushner (2001), agree that theaters ways of inducing social change is just so implied that oftentimes, it cannot be seen or felt by people are who already drowned by the impurities of the society.  Surely, theater is just like anything that aspires to inflict change in everybody, but its techniques are so silent, glamorous perhaps, and that is the main problem.  What must be done is here is that the makers of theater shall continue to make theater and reinforce it in a manner that will be explicitly available and be seen by everyone. Theater shall continue to establish dialogue and transgress from the old-school monologue style.  This means to say, although that theaters technique are somehow in abstract form, it shall not fail to communicate its message effectively with the audience.  Because whether people will deny it or not, theater inflicts great appeal to the minds and emotions of people, only that, such message must be accompanied by the will and strength to create change, thus resulting to social transformation.

    Jessica Winegar (2008), on the other hand, used art (and theater) to set distinctions of humans apart from the animals.  Because art is an expression of the whole being, then, it is made available solely for the utilization of mankind.  It is the representation of the suppressed desire of people to experience change and to create the everlasting need for social transformation.  And with this, as long as man exists and he continues to desire for his needs and wants, theater and art will always be present.  And it can always be used as catalysts for social transformation, of course, with the real-life personification of people.