Can Broadway musicals drive social change? | Julia Dunetz | TEDxCornell

Key Concepts

• Impact-Minded Entertainment: The philosophy of using art (theater, film, television) as a deliberate tool for social progress and cultural change.
• The Two Buckets of Storytelling: A framework for understanding impact: (1) Stories that provide representation/validation for one's own identity, and (2) Stories that build empathy by exposing audiences to unfamiliar identities and experiences.
• Narratives on the Margins: The intentional focus on stories involving people, identities, and experiences that have historically been ignored or erased.
• Allyship through Art: The process of using media to challenge personal biases, foster critical thinking, and encourage active social participation.

1. The Power of Storytelling as a Tool for Social Change

The speaker, a commercial theater producer, argues that storytelling transcends mere entertainment. By leveraging art to instigate critical thinking and create visibility, creators can shape culture and bridge divides between people with differing perspectives. The core argument is that stories influence culture, which in turn dictates political and social outcomes.

2. Framework: The Two Buckets of Impact

The speaker categorizes the impact of storytelling into two distinct functions:

• Self-Reflection/Validation: Stories that allow individuals to see themselves represented on stage or screen. This reduces feelings of isolation and expands the audience's sense of possibility.
• Empathy Building: Stories that introduce audiences to experiences outside their own. This is presented as the primary path to understanding others, which is a prerequisite for kindness and social progress.

3. Case Studies and Real-World Applications

• "How to Dance in Ohio" (Self-Reflection): A Broadway musical featuring seven autistic actors playing autistic characters. The production provided profound validation for audience members with developmental disabilities, proving that seeing oneself represented can make the "impossible feel possible."
• "Slave Play" (Empathy Building): A provocative 2019 Broadway play exploring race and sex in America. The production included facilitated post-show discussions. The speaker highlights a specific audience member who, through the play and subsequent dialogue, moved from questioning her role in a racist society to actively seeking resources and committing to being an ally.

4. Methodology for Social Progress

The speaker proposes a proactive approach for individuals to contribute to social change:

1. Seek Unfamiliar Narratives: Actively consume media that centers on identities or experiences outside of one's own (e.g., watching stories about trans individuals if one does not know any).
2. Iterative Learning: Do not stop at one story; continue to seek out diverse perspectives to challenge personal norms.
3. Catalyze Conversation: Use media as a starting point for discussions with friends and family to deepen understanding.

5. Notable Quotes

• "Storytelling is actually our most powerful tool for social change."
• "It’s really hard to love what we don’t know. And stories are our best way to know each other better."
• "Stories influence culture, which influences who we vote into office, what policies are enacted. Stories are a direct influence on the world that we live in."

6. Synthesis and Conclusion

The speaker concludes that the path to a better world lies in our willingness to invest in and engage with narratives on the margins. By moving beyond our own lived experiences through the medium of storytelling, we cultivate the empathy necessary to understand one another. This understanding is the foundation for collective action, policy change, and a more compassionate society. The call to action is clear: consume diverse stories, share them, and use them as a catalyst for the "brave conversations" required to change the world.