Drama theory analysis of the Walkerton drinking water crisis

Drama theory is employed as a dynamic approach to conflict resolution for systematically studying the serious conflict that ensued over the contamination of the water supply system for the town of Walkerton, Ontario, Canada, in May, 2000. In the process of attempting to resolve dilemmas arising among decision makers involved in a dispute, drama theory utilizes the metaphor of a play or drama to explain how the conflict evolves over time. The Walkerton drinking water contamination tragedy, which resulted in the death of seven people and caused severe illness in more than 2,300 individuals, is used as a case study to demonstrate how drama theory can be conveniently applied in practice.