Re-Constructing Theatrical Space In Early Childhood Development In Kenya

Abstract

Theatrical space is a significant element of theatre which provides opportunities for young children to explore their artistic creativity. The tendency to conceptualize theatrical space in mainstream ways which reflect only physical space and adult viewpoints runs the risk of excluding children‟s artistic culture. By engaging the critical lenses of postcolonial theory, this paper interrogates the construction of theatrical space in early childhood development discourses as mere physical space such as architectural structures, free outdoor space or any physical space equipped with facilities provided by adults with children on the receiving end of services. This paper posits that much more than the mere existence of physical space is needed to guarantee and expand theatrical space for young children. According to findings, the wide range and dynamism in determining theatrical space in early childhood facilitates children to artistically explore theatrical genres. Such spaces extend the boundaries of theatrical space beyond physical space. For example, artistic space, cultural space, inclusive space, democratic space and other emergent views on theatrical space, are all important aspects of children‟s theatrical space. Moreover, the variant forms of theatrical spaces distinguished from the findings do not exist disparately but overlap and interact to enrich children‟s theatrical culture.