STSM findings on immigrants in Britain through a theatrical lens

What can theatre tell us about migrants? Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önder Çakırtaş (Bingöl University, Turkey) tried to answer this question during his short-term scientific mission (STSM), funded by COST Action COREnet. Dr. Önder Çakırtaş visited Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany, to gather more information on the subject.

The main goals of this scientific mission were to explore the challenges faced by immigrants in Britain as shown in theatre and to analyze the concept of ‘migritude’ among Muslim and non-Muslim youth.

Migration has significantly shaped British history, especially after World War II, bringing major societal changes through mass migrations from former colonies. Inspired by Tamasha Theatre’s goal to support emerging artists of colour in telling powerful stories, this study examined the Migration Plays, a collection of works by four playwrights. By analyzing these plays, the study aimed to shed light on the acculturation process of post-war British immigrants as they navigate ‘Britishness,’ identity, belonging, and cultural assimilation.

Dr. Önder Çakırtaş, during this short-term scientific mission (STSM), worked with Professor Pavan Malreddy from the Anglophone and American Studies Department at Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany. They worked on identifying and discussing materials on migrant narratives in British theatre, especially concerning Muslim and non-Muslim teenagers.

The collaborative research done by Dr. Önder Çakırtaş and Prof. Pavan Malreddy will contribute significantly to future research on migration and cultural integration.

What is a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) within COREnet?

A Short-Term Scientific Mission, funded by the COST Action COREnet, consists of a visit to a host organization located in a different country to the country of affiliation of a Researcher in order to carry out specific work as part of a research project. In addition to research purposes, Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) are aimed to support researchers’ individual mobility, to strengthen existing networks and to foster collaboration between individuals. The purpose of a STSM is thus to gain new partnerships, to learn new techniques and to gain access to specific data, instruments and/or methods not available in their own institutions/organizations.