Soft Power and Its Effect on Theatrical Production: Lorca’s Women as a Model

Abstract

This research examines theatrical discourse as an interwoven fabric that integrates both aesthetic and social structures through the employment of the concept of soft power, regarded as one of the most influential indirect tools of impact grounded in emotion, symbolic communication, and subtle expressions. Such a discourse contributes to shaping public opinion and reinforcing cultural and human values away from coercive and violent means. Theatrical discourse is not confined to dialogic texts; rather, it unfolds through the scenographic system-lighting, décor, music, and performance techniques-that highlights psychological, emotional, and intellectual dimensions, engaging the audience and persuading them through aesthetic and symbolic strategies capable of fostering trust and producing the intended effect.

From this perspective, the study investigates the play Lorca’s Women as an applied model that embodies the discourse of soft power in theatre. The director employed text, direction, performance, and scenography to construct a symbolic aesthetic discourse inspired by Lorca’s legacy while projecting it onto the reality of contemporary Iraqi women. The play reveals their suffering under repression, isolation, and deprivation, while expressing a profound yearning for freedom and a rejection of wars and their devastating consequences that have perpetuated marginalization, exclusion, and the silencing of women’s active social role.

Through this analytical approach, the research demonstrates that theatre possesses a unique capacity to reproduce the discourse of soft power, functioning as a cultural platform capable of consolidating collective awareness of human and social issues. Moreover, it transmits aesthetic and symbolic messages that transcend geographical and political boundaries owing to its emotional and affective impact-thus positioning theatre as an effective tool in shaping attitudes and reshaping cultural and social visions.