Political unrest is a term that explains the societal discontent arising from oppression or inequality that leads to riots, strikes and other forms of collective action. It can also be triggered by economic factors that undermine people’s quality of life or their faith in the government. This can result in sporadic and continued collective physical violence that may cause death, injury and destruction. Other causes of political unrest include corruption, authoritarianism and a lack of democracy.
A key aspect of the play is the role of absurdism, which serves to highlight the dehumanizing effects of societal dysfunction and emphasizes resilience. Dragun’s characters often speak with a satirical voice that criticizes societal norms and expectations, as well as the naiveté of governmental leaders. This approach helps the audience to understand that they can still find their humanity despite the chaos around them.
When covering protests and marches, it is important to get as many photos as possible and identify the people in the crowd (look for signs that indicate their organizational affiliation — unions, community or political action groups); if they are students, what school do they attend? Also try to understand what is bringing them to the event and how they found out about it. Often, they will have interesting or creative signage, and it’s a good way to add a visual element to your story. Make sure to photograph from the front of the crowd, so you can see faces and protest signs clearly.
