To Head Knowledge: Riticald Ramaturgy and Artful Ambiguity

Abstract

I suggest that Ties That Bind is an exemplary model of critical dramaturgy. Critical dramaturgy uses theatrics to question the taken-for-granted assumptions concerning systems of power. These are the same questions raised by critical theory. I will offer a framework of organizational theatrics to provide a context for understanding my view of critical dramaturgy. I will suggest that Taylor s play is critical dramaturgy because it addresses hegemony and cooptation. Furthermore, Taylor does so in ways open to multiple interpretations (reflected in the artful ambiguity of the title), which elicits questioning rather than proposing answers. I begin first with some reactions to the play and then discuss the message offered fromthe stage. Next, I situate that message as critical dramaturgy within a context of corporate theatrics, followed by a discussion of the self-reflexive aspects of critical dramaturgy that find hegemony and cooptation dynamics in the liberating ambiguity of the play s ending.