Performing metaphors into a physical space. The role of participatory theater in promoting social coexistence between citizens and newcomers

Negative portrayals of migrants shown by media not only neglect reporting the impact of migration on communities. They are also transformed into outsiders and different to Europeans, subjects and objects of fear, experiencing the fear of being rejected, and inspiring fear in the resident populations. While discussing the link between media logic, theatrical performance and moral imaginary, the paper will shed light on how the theatrical metaphor of cosmopolitan solidarity is challenged by the physical proximity of the ‘other’. It specifically analyzes how Cantieri Meticci – a theater company based and active in Bologna (Italy) involving asylum seekers, refugees, migrants, and Italian citizens – use participatory theatre to resist, rework, or disrupt the mainstream logic of the border spectacle while also promoting social coexistence between citizens and newcomers. As such, the analysis of their artistic practices and social interventions provides an insight into other methods of being political subjects ‘before and beyond the law’