Purpose + Methods

 

For my proposal, I have decided to explore further the question of ‘Why there is a lack of representation of Black British women in the Musical Theatre?’ A topic that is close to my heart and relates to me and my practice. I have a lot of questions I would like to get answers to, also to see what others think of this topic. Do other people see this as an issue?

This led me to then think about the qualitive research aspect of my proposal, what is the purpose of me doing this inquiry. Is it to map, critique or to create social change? I think my purpose is to highlight and provide a social critique of behavior in Musical theatre culture, but I would also like it to create social change! Would seeing and equivalent amount of black British women in a piece of theatre as to their counter parts increase the number of black women entering this industry. What is the reason for not many entering this industry in the first place? Where does it start? When it comes to a career, are you more inclined to down that field when you see more people that look like you? Is it down to cultural difference or upbringing? These are some of the questions I would like to get answered by doing this inquiry.

Then moving on to the Methodology of my proposal. How am I going to collect this data? I really like the idea of doing an interview, more so a group one. I like the idea of a relaxed atmosphere where I could hear a few ideas and views on the subject. A more conversational interview rather than questions and answer. But then questions did arise of how easy it will be to collect data from this if it becomes a bit too informal, will people start talking over each other? Will people not give honest opinions and just piggyback off other answers? I have also been looking in to Autoethnography, I would like to include my own personal experience when deciding this career path and what I was like for me as a Black British woman entering this industry. I currently have a few methods of how I wish to collect my data in my head, I think I need to sit and think about which would actually give me the most data to work with. 

Anyway back to reading and research! Hope everyone is well! :)