"I am Laertes" reparative theater: destigmatizing and empowering the ostracized of society

This thesis argues that Reparative Theater is facilitated and led by artists who function as conduits through which individuals facing stigma or ostracization from society can participate in an act of artistic creation to achieve vocalization, healing, and community recognition thereby alleviating misconceptions and prejudices found within and among a given community. Theaters to be investigated include Prison Performing Arts, Theater of War, The Federal Theatre Project, The Medea Project, and Cornerstone Theater.