Governing the Theatrical Event: Policy, Power, and the Democratization of Performance

Call for Papers

Governing the Theatrical Event: Policy, Power, and the Democratization of Performance

Journal: Theatre Research International
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Abstract Submission Deadline: 05 July 2026
Manuscript Submission Deadline: 15 November 2026

Theatre Research International invites submissions for its Special Issue titled "Governing the Theatrical Event: Policy, Power, and the Democratization of Performance."

About the Special Issue

This Special Issue reimagines the Theatrical Event as a site where cultural policy, institutional power, governance, and performance intersect. Rather than viewing theatre solely as an artistic practice, it explores how political, legal, institutional, and regulatory frameworks shape theatrical production, participation, accessibility, and public engagement.

Responding to contemporary global challenges—including censorship, political interference, institutional transformation, rising extremism, and debates around inclusion—the issue seeks theoretical and empirical contributions that examine how governance influences artistic freedom, cultural participation, and the democratization of performance. It encourages scholarship that investigates theatre as a dynamic field of negotiation between policy, institutions, artists, and audiences.

Scope and Topics of Interest

Submissions may address, but are not limited to:

• Cultural policy and governance of theatrical production

• State regulation, censorship, and legal frameworks in performance

• Institutional power and performing arts systems

• Democratization of theatre institutions

• Agency, participation, inclusion, and access in performance

• Funding structures and their influence on artistic practice

• Relationships between artists, institutions, and publics

• Theatre as a site of negotiation between policy and practice

• Governance-focused methodologies in theatre and performance studies

• Cultural diplomacy and cross-border artistic collaboration

• Artistic negotiation during political and social crises

• Cultural Context and Contextual Theatricality within the Theatrical Event framework

Submission Guidelines

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 05 July 2026

• Manuscript Submission Deadline: 15 November 2026

• Submit an abstract of up to 250 words via email to the designated Guest Editor.

• Selected authors will be invited to submit full manuscripts of 6,000–8,000 words.

• All submissions will undergo peer review.

• Authors should submit accepted manuscripts through the Theatre Research International online submission system and indicate that the submission is intended for Special Issue 52.3.

Special Issue Editors

• Keren Cohen — Philipps University Marburg

• Vicki Ann Cremona — University of Malta

• Smadar Mor — Tel Aviv University

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