I am a doctoral candidate in the Theatre and Performance Program. My dissertation examines the relationship between performance, cultural policy, and citizenship in Chile from 1979-present. Through an exploration of key case studies (including the works of the Colectivo de Acciones de Arte, Andrés Pérez, Manuela Infante, and Guillermo Calderón), intertwined with analysis of cultural policy and political discourse, I ask how these performances engage with and enact forms of democratic citizenship—first during Pinochet’s dictatorship as a hoped for future, and later, following the democratic transition, as a present, if incomplete reality. I suggest that considering these performances as dramaturgical practices of citizenship prompts an evaluation of how states might facilitate a critical democratic theatre, and how the performing arts might support critical, democratic states. With the support of CLACLS, I will travel to Santiago, Chile, where I will conduct archival research, interviews with artists and cultural workers, and observe theatre festivals, shows, and rehearsals.