Vivid Ethnicity: A Mobile Museum for Transformative Engagement

Abstract

Several ethnic groups in Thailand consider themselves oppressed; arguably, Thai society lacks suitable platforms for multiple voices and perspectives. Vivid Ethnicity, a mobile museum constituted by Mahidol University, addresses this issue. Adapting Kenneth Burke’s concept of the “dramatistic pentad,” communication theory, and the concept of transformative learning developed by Jack Mezirow, Vivid Ethnicity creates a theory of exhibition geared toward critical thinking and creative praxis. Ethnographic performances combined with participatory workshops are shown to be key factors in opening up conversations and encouraging audience to construct their own meaning.