Exploring Applied Theatre Facilitation Pedagogies and Practices: Fostering Resilience in Diverse Communities

Applied theatre, a dynamic and transformative art form, utilizes theatrical techniques and principles to address social issues, empower communities, and promote dialogue. Through its emphasis on participation, collaboration, and experiential learning, applied theatre offers unique facilitation pedagogies and practices that foster resilience in diverse communities.

Applied Theatre: Facilitation: Pedagogies, Practices, Resilience

by Morwenna Assaf

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	267 pages

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This article explores the various methodologies and best practices of applied theatre facilitation, highlighting their potential for empowering individuals and groups, promoting open dialogue, and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

Methodologies and Best Practices in Applied Theatre Facilitation

1. Participatory Theatre: This approach engages participants as active creators and performers of theatrical works that explore their lived experiences and social realities.
2. Forum Theatre: A form of interactive theatre that allows audience members to intervene and shape the performance, exploring alternative scenarios and facilitating discussions around pressing social issues.
3. Testimonial Theatre: Empowers individuals to share their personal narratives and experiences through theatrical performances, fostering empathy, understanding, and social change.
4. Role-Playing and Simulation: These techniques provide participants with a safe space to practice new behaviors, explore different perspectives, and develop problem-solving skills in simulated scenarios.
5. Deliberative Dialogue Facilitation: Facilitators guide structured conversations that encourage participants to engage in respectful and evidence-based discussions on complex social issues.

Empowering Communities and Promoting Dialogue

Applied theatre facilitation empowers communities by giving voice to marginalized groups, fostering dialogue across diverse perspectives, and providing a platform for collective action.

Through participatory methodologies, applied theatre provides spaces where individuals can share their experiences, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges between different social and cultural backgrounds. By encouraging dialogue and collaboration, applied theatre promotes understanding, empathy, and a sense of community.

For example, a project in a refugee camp used participatory theatre to facilitate discussions around identity, belonging, and trauma. Participants created performances that reflected their own experiences, allowing them to process their emotions, build resilience, and connect with others who shared their struggles.

Fostering Resilience in Diverse Contexts

Applied theatre facilitation has proven effective in fostering resilience in diverse communities facing adversity.

By providing opportunities for self-expression, collaboration, and skill development, applied theatre helps individuals cope with trauma, build coping mechanisms, and develop a sense of agency and empowerment. It also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and social support networks, all essential elements for fostering resilience.

In a program for survivors of domestic violence, applied theatre facilitated workshops that explored issues of empowerment, safety planning, and self-care. Participants used role-playing and storytelling to practice coping mechanisms, develop support systems, and gain a sense of empowerment over their own lives.

Transformative Learning and Social Justice

Applied theatre facilitation not only fosters resilience but also facilitates transformative learning and promotes social justice.

Through experiential and participatory methodologies, applied theatre provides a unique environment for individuals to reflect on their own values, challenge existing power structures, and develop a critical understanding of social issues.

For instance, a community-based theatre project addressed issues of racial discrimination by engaging participants in interactive workshops and performances. Through these activities, participants explored their own biases, challenged stereotypes, and developed strategies for promoting racial justice in their community.

Applied theatre facilitation pedagogies and practices offer powerful tools for fostering resilience in diverse communities. By empowering individuals and promoting dialogue, applied theatre provides a transformative and inclusive approach to addressing social issues, promoting social justice, and building resilient communities.

As we navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world, applied theatre facilitation will continue to play a vital role in fostering resilience, empowering marginalized voices, and building more just and equitable societies.

Applied Theatre: Facilitation: Pedagogies, Practices, Resilience

by Morwenna Assaf

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	267 pages

FREE