Cultural Studies paper by Szőke, Dávid Sándor
Challenges and Perspectives of the Roma Heroes Educational Methodology in Hungary
Type of Abstract (select):Abstract (max. 250 words):
The presentation aims to discuss the questions, the structure, and the practical application of the Roma Heroes Educational Methodology in the Hungarian higher education. The methodology has been developed by the Independent Theater Hungary, in co-operation with three European theater companies, Rampa Presentina (Italy), The Roma Actors Association – Giuvlipen (Romania), and C. para La I+D Independiente Del Teatro Profesional En Andalucía (Spain). The goals of this methodology are to make students familiar with and discuss the diversity, challenges and values of Roma dramas, their heroes, and the Romani communities in Hungary and across Europe. The concept of heroism in the methodology is emphasized, whereby the stories presented to the students are discussed within the framework of heroic journeys instead of victim narratives. This new approach is innovative for two reasons. It responds to and challenges stereotypical representations of Romani communities in the Hungarian and international media where Romani people are portrayed as violent, vulgar, and uneducated, and are generally linked to prostitution, poverty, and crime. In doing so, it aspires to support Romani students in improving a positive racial identity. The questions that the presentation seeks to answer are: What instruments are available for this methodology to provide practical advice and course development suggestions for Hungarian university lecturers? How can university lecturers finalize group-specific professional plans for each seminar? What aspects can be enforced in the practice of theater education?
KEYWORDS: educational methodology, Roma dramas, Hungarian and European Roma communities, heroism, pedagogy, positive racial identity
Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
David Szoke is a PhD-candidate at the University of Szeged, Hungary. His scholarly interest is in minority studies, 20th century English literature, film studies, and interculturalism. He has published articles for the Iris Murdoch Review, Tiszatáj Literary Journal, and Apertúra Journal of Film Studies. His reviews have appeared in Hungarian Cultural Studies.