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Theatre productions and shows in schools to make politics more appealing to young people: a fine goal of the Kiesmannen (Electors), but how effective is this creative approach? Researchers from Utrecht University asked hundreds of young people about their confidence and interest in the European Union before and after watching a production of the Kiesmannen. And the result? Indeed, young people seem to find European politics more understandable, interesting and impactful after watching a theatre performance or show.

Perception of young people

"We know from research that Dutch schoolchildren lag behind their European peers in knowledge about citizenship", says Dylan Ahern, one of the initiators of the . "To bolster this knowledge, and make young people aware of their fundamental rights and duties, the Kiesmannen developed an interactive lesson presenting scientifically reliable information about the EU in the form of a show." By responding to young people's perceptions, the Kiesmannen manage to generate interest among the target audience. Ahern recounts: "We find that young people particularly latch onto issues that affect them, such as legislation around digitalisation to limit fake news, spying through TikTok, hate speech on social media. But young people are also focused on issues like biodiversity and climate policy."

There is room for debate in the show. "And we throw referendum balls into the hall, which helps teach young people to make political choices. This mode of engagement fits well with young people's perceptions and information processing. In this way, we hope young people will emerge as empowered citizens and weigh up the vote properly."

Impact study

And to find out if the theatre show contributes to this, Marij Swinkels (Lecturer at REBO) and Madelijn Strick are stepping in as academics on this project. This was possible thanks to a grant from ÀÖÓãºǫ́'s Institutions for Open Societies strategic theme. Swinkels: "It was a nice intertwining of research and education. Students from our university handed out questionnaires and observed the discussions with the young people. They asked young people before and after the show what they think about the European Union, whether they feel European, and whether they feel they have an impact on the EU."

Politically active

Madelijn Strick (Associate Professor in Social Sciences) stresses the importance of young people getting politically involved: "We know from research that if you are exposed to politics at an early age, you become more politically active for the rest of your life. Not only in voting behaviour, but also on a smaller level. You might become active in your own school or community. Or in your own group of friends. That’s a good start for participating in society now, but also later."

We know from research that if you are exposed to politics early on, you become more politically active for the rest of your life. Not only in voting behaviour but also on a smaller level. You might become active in your own school or community.

Results

After the theatre performance, young people found European politics more understandable and interesting, and their trust in politics increased. Fewer young people also seemed to feel that politics has little impact on their lives and vice versa: how much influence they have on politics. Finally, there was an increase in the number of young people planning to vote after the theatre performance. Fewer people were unsure.

Hopeful

There was also a difference on an emotional level before and after the performance. Young people seemed more hopeful, enthusiastic and full of energy. Nice results according to Strick: "We know that young people are increasingly concerned. It is therefore great to see that a theatre performance can make young people more enthusiastic and hopeful. This is just one performance, but if you were to do this more often, you might be able to make a positive contribution to young people's well-being and confidence in the future. I think that's incredibly important."

Theatre en science

The collaboration of theatre and science tastes like more. Marij Swinkels: "In the next project, we would like to help design a curriculum or theatre show as early as the design stage. This is what we also aim for as a university: to make science accessible to a wide audience, to increase the impact of research. Connecting performing arts and science gives this a boost. In a scientific sense, collaboration also pays off, we are taking steps to innovate."