Animated storytelling as collaborative practice : an exploratory study in the studio, the classroom and the community

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis investigates stop motion animation as a form of socially engaged visualstorytelling. It aims to expand commonly held perceptions that associate animation with themass media and entertainment industries by investigating three non-industry related contexts:the artist studio, the classroom and the community. In each respective context the coauthoringof stop motion animation was employed as a means to promote collaborationbetween artists, students and members of the public. This was intended to encourageparticipants to share their stories regardless of language differences, contrasting levels ofacademic development and diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. Thus, animation makingprovided a means of promoting inclusivity through active participation and visualcommunication. This process is perceived as valuable in a South African context whereeleven official languages and a diversity of cultures and ethnicities tend to obstruct anintegrated society. My fundamental argument is that animation can be used as a tool tofacilitate the materialisation, dissemination and archiving of stories whilst promoting thecreative agency of the storyteller.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University