Presenter Information
Sarah Cavanaugh, Duquesne University
Abstract
This research paper investigates the extent to which theatrical works can influence societal reform through the depiction of bioethical dilemmas through time, analyzing performative theater’s ability to change the world through great societal impact. By examining four plays from distinct historical periods—Philoctetes by Sophocles (409 BCE), Whose Life is it Anyway? by Brian Clark (1972), The Waiting Room by Lisa Loomer (1994), and Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey (2010)—this study analyzes how theater has consistently engaged with evolving issues of medical ethics and patient autonomy. Each play presents ethical conflicts reflective of the medical and social dilemmas of its time, including physician and pharmaceutical responsibility, euthanasia, women’s health, and mental health stigma. These theatrical representations contributed to heightened public awareness and, in several cases, corresponded with producible, real-world developments; some of these developments included the early formation of medical ethical standards, legal decisions affirming patient autonomy, increased focus on women’s health research, further regulations on pharmaceutical practices, and modern movements aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental illness. While theater does not give direct solutions to these bioethical challenges, it functions as an influential societal force that has inspired public action towards developing collective, societal responses to bioethical dilemmas. By following the historical relationship between pieces of theatrical work and real-world reform through a loose timeline of plays, this study concludes that theater possesses the ability to influence societal progress in bioethics by facilitating societal response to the issues that they portray.
School
Rangos School of Health Sciences; McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
Advisor
Dr. Laura Engel
Submission Type
Paper
Bioethics as Seen on Stage: Can Theater Change the World?
This research paper investigates the extent to which theatrical works can influence societal reform through the depiction of bioethical dilemmas through time, analyzing performative theater’s ability to change the world through great societal impact. By examining four plays from distinct historical periods—Philoctetes by Sophocles (409 BCE), Whose Life is it Anyway? by Brian Clark (1972), The Waiting Room by Lisa Loomer (1994), and Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey (2010)—this study analyzes how theater has consistently engaged with evolving issues of medical ethics and patient autonomy. Each play presents ethical conflicts reflective of the medical and social dilemmas of its time, including physician and pharmaceutical responsibility, euthanasia, women’s health, and mental health stigma. These theatrical representations contributed to heightened public awareness and, in several cases, corresponded with producible, real-world developments; some of these developments included the early formation of medical ethical standards, legal decisions affirming patient autonomy, increased focus on women’s health research, further regulations on pharmaceutical practices, and modern movements aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental illness. While theater does not give direct solutions to these bioethical challenges, it functions as an influential societal force that has inspired public action towards developing collective, societal responses to bioethical dilemmas. By following the historical relationship between pieces of theatrical work and real-world reform through a loose timeline of plays, this study concludes that theater possesses the ability to influence societal progress in bioethics by facilitating societal response to the issues that they portray.