Tell your own story: The power of “docudramas” in small communities

In today's digitally connected world, small communities often find themselves with no one telling their story. As local newspapers disappear under the weight of lost ad revenue usurped by social media and internet search engines, and when local politics start to echo national politics, small communities are overshadowed by large market narratives and voices. As our media and politics become nationalized or even globalized, so too is our consumption of the arts through streaming services and social media platforms. Who will tell your community’s story? You can.

Within our small, tight-knit communities lies a wealth of untold stories, struggles, and triumphs. This is the perfect time to introduce your community to docudrama, a powerful storytelling medium that not only captures the essence of the communities it engages but also deeply connects with its audience.

In my former life as a theatre artist, I was drawn to docudrama because of its ability to authentically serve an audience by telling their stories and because of its commercial viability. People are naturally drawn to their own stories, the stories of their neighbors, or their community's history. I would argue that it is one of the strongest ways for a new arts organization or an arts organization struggling to find its way to establish strong relationships with a community, developing new and invested volunteers, donors, and consumers.

So what is “docudrama”? Live theatre docudrama, also known as documentary theatre, is a unique and captivating format that blends factual storytelling with the immediacy and power of live performance. These plays draw inspiration from real-life events, historical moments, or personal stories, often utilizing primary source material like interviews, transcripts, and news reports. Verbatim dialogue, directly quoting the source material, is a common technique, allowing the real voices of the people involved to shine through. Actors portray these real individuals (and sometimes they portray themselves) with minimal fictionalization, and the experience may even incorporate multimedia elements like projections, soundscapes, or tangible objects to further immerse the audience. As a result, live theatre docudrama serves not only to educate but also to provoke thought, spark conversation, and foster a deeper connection with the realities and subjects it explores. This unique approach offers a powerful alternative to traditional community theatre, allowing audiences to engage with real stories on a deeper emotional level and gain fresh perspectives on historical events and contemporary issues from their own town, county, or region. For small communities, docudramas offer a platform to share their own experiences, challenges, and achievements and not just replicate or emulate the stories of others.

In the February episode of the Small Town Big Arts podcast, I interviewed James McManus, an accomplished playwright with a career spanning multiple award-winning works. He has written plays, including "Love on San Pedro," "Dorothy 6," "Underground," "Cherry Smoke," and "Blood Potato." Notably, his play "Cherry Smoke" garnered him the prestigious Princess Grace Award in Playwriting in 2006. He has also received recognition through the Helen Merrill Playwriting Award and is an alumnus of the respected New Dramatists program. Some of his work, like "Love on San Pedro," is in the style of docudrama. The podcast is worth a listen to hear his process and how the process has benefits to the artists and the community way beyond the creation of the play itself.

By bringing real-life stories to the stage, in the way James does, these plays humanize the experiences of individuals within these communities, allowing viewers, inside and outside the community, to connect with the stories on a personal level. Whether it's a story of resilience in the face of adversity or a celebration of cultural heritage, docudramas have the power to bridge the gap between communities and spark meaningful conversations. I recently presented for the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas digital conference. Most organizations that can afford a literary manager or dramaturg tend to be in large markets. I tried to think through how they could help build a bridge from their larger market to these smaller markets I served. I immediately thought of docudrama because there is fertile ground for stories in so many small communities and through telling these stories, understanding can be built across the cultural divide of our times, rural vs urban.

To share an example of where a bridge of understanding like this was built, I looked to Cornerstone Theatre Company in Los Angeles. Cornerstone is known for its docudrama approach to their work. Much of their work is focused on Los Angeles, but their production of "California: The Tempest" moved beyond Los Angeles and wasn't your typical Shakespearean adaptation. Playwright Alison Carey reimagined the story to grapple with modern Californian issues like food insecurity and environmental challenges. Through residencies in ten California communities over a decade, Carey incorporated local stories and themes, ensuring the play resonated with each audience. The year-long tour then brought the play to life in these communities, big and small, with local actors joining the cast and the production evolving to reflect each location's specific concerns. These performances transcended entertainment, fostering a unique theatrical experience that addressed the social and cultural realities of California.

In addition to their social impact, docudramas also offer economic opportunities for small communities. By showcasing local talent, landscapes, and culture, these productions can attract tourism and investment, boosting the local economy and creating jobs. Furthermore, the exposure gained from being featured in a docudrama can help small businesses and artisans reach new audiences and markets. Take a look at what “The Lost Colony” has been to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

“The Lost Colony” is an outdoor symphonic drama reenacting the story of Roanoke Island's first English colonists. Debuting in 1937, it holds the title of the longest-running symphonic drama in the United States. Performed every summer on Roanoke Island itself, the play brings history to life for audiences. While the drama takes some creative liberties, it portrays the colonists' struggles, the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America, and the enduring mystery of their disappearance. Though the fate of the real Roanoke colonists remains unknown, The Lost Colony continues to be a beloved tradition on the Outer Banks and helps drive tourism and is a huge economic driver for the local economy.

However, it's essential to approach the creation of docudramas with sensitivity and respect for the communities involved. Theatre makers must prioritize authenticity and accuracy, ensuring that the stories portrayed on stage reflect the lived experiences of community members. Collaboration and consultation with local stakeholders are crucial to ensuring that the narrative is told with integrity and respect for cultural nuances. In my interview with James McManus, he speaks of the sensitivity needed to successfully and truthfully tell a community’s story. The beauty of the form though exists in the creation process itself, in which the playwright meets with and works directly with members of the community in developing and producing the plays.

In conclusion, docudramas have the power to shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of stories within small communities and amplify their voices in the global conversation. By combining the authenticity of documentary stagecraft with the emotional impact of a community’s own stories, these productions have the potential to foster empathy, drive social change, and stimulate economic growth. In an age where the voices of small communities often go unheard, docudramas offer a powerful platform for them to share their stories with their neighbors and maybe even the wider world.