This fieldwork strand by Junges Ensemble Stuttgart investigated artistic co-creation as a third place, focusing on how collective artistic processes can support reflection, belonging and critical thinking among young adults.
Through an intensive kick-off weekend, young performers and professional artists explored methods of collective creation, authorship and responsibility. Rather than starting with a predefined concept, the group developed material from discussion, improvisation and shared inquiry.
The resulting production, about good and bad but probably mostly about the complicated mess inbetween, used the historical figure Boudica as a framework for examining moral ambiguity. The process deliberately avoided clear binaries and instead investigated contradiction, justification and ethical grey zones.
A key finding was that co-created artistic processes allow young participants to engage deeply with complexity, both intellectually and emotionally. The theatre rehearsal room became a third place for thinking together — not oriented towards answers, but towards shared questioning.
What we learned
- Artistic co-creation functions as a third place when the process prioritises collective inquiry over predefined outcomes.
- Young participants engage deeply with complexity when moral ambiguity is not simplified or resolved.
- Shared authorship strengthens responsibility and commitment to the artistic work.
- The rehearsal room can become a space for ethical reflection and belonging, not only artistic production.
- Trust in young people’s capacity to handle difficult questions leads to richer artistic material and stronger ownership.