Managing Intercultural Competence in International Theatre Co-productions : Case Mental Finland

Abstract

An overall aim of this thesis is to examine intercultural management in the context of international co-productions of Finnish theaters. In more detail, the study will contribute to the knowledge of intercultural competence in the theatre productions in the international arena. The thesis will also provide some important practical insights on what are the challenges and opportunities in international co-productions. I have chosen a case, which will give a good, in-depth and fresh look to the subject. The case is Mental Finland by Smeds Ensemble.

This study is a qualitative research. Moreover it is a case study. The theoretical frame of this study consists of the theory of intercultural management to which closely belongs intercultural communication and intercultural competences. The concept of co-production will be defined and the theory of international co-productions will be applied from the artsfield. This thesis will contribute towards providing best practices for arts managers in the theatre or in the wider field of performing arts who will want to work or are working on an international scale.