Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Theatre

About the Program

Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Theatre is a public-education program centered on post-performance discussions of plays. It brings psychoanalytic ideas into conversation with live drama, using theatrical performances to examine inner conflict, relationships and human development.

Exploring Plays Through Psychoanalysis

Discussions consider the internal and interpersonal dynamics evoked by a production. Relevant themes may include desire, identity, attachment, family relationships, loss, aggression, shame, fantasy and unconscious motivation.

Rather than treating a play as a clinical case, the psychoanalytic perspective offers another way to think about its characters, conflicts and emotional effects. Drama can make abstract psychological ideas vivid by presenting them through language, action and relationships.

Post-Performance Conversation

Washington Center for Psychoanalysis members lead conversations after selected performances. A discussion leader introduces a psychoanalytic perspective and invites audience members—and, on some occasions, participating artists—to reflect on the production.

The format is collaborative. Different audience responses can reveal the ambiguity of a play and the many meanings created between performers, characters and spectators.