Selfsufficiencyplay

Selfsufficiencyplay is a neologism used in some strands of theatre and performance studies to describe works, practices, or narratives that foreground self-sufficiency and autonomy. The term is not widely standardized and may be used with different emphases depending on context.

Etymology and scope: The compound combines self-sufficiency with play (in the sense of theatre or interactive performance). In thematic use, it refers to plays whose plots center on characters or communities building independence, resilience, or resourcefulness. In production use, it describes performances created with minimal external support—community-driven, do-it-yourself productions that rely on local spaces, volunteers, and donated materials.

Context and usage: The term appears sporadically in performance criticism, DIY theatre discourse, and festival programming. It is often associated with participatory or community theatre, experimental forms, and resilience-themed programming, but its exact definition varies across sources.

See also: do-it-yourself theatre, community theatre, resilience, resourcefulness in art.