Creativity and Solidarity as Method: the Example of Missing and Other Stories

Abstract

This chapter draws together the findings of the research through an analysis of the creative and collaborative methods which were used throughout the Loneliness Connects Us research project. The partnership between academic (including feminist) research, youth work and creative arts practice produced situated knowledges critical to the success of this project. The immersive theatre performance ‘Missing’ is presented in detail in this chapter, to show how collaboration and creativity were harnessed before during and after the performances. Shared interests and creativity; solitude, creativity and solidarity; relationality, friendship and solidarity, and their part in practices of both collaborative research creation and socio-cultural animation are explored.