ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a background to the theoretical development of holistic process to experiential learning. It presents chronological order models illustrating the development of understanding related to the experiential education process. The holistic approach then extends to an introduction of the method of dramaturgy. Analysis of the ‘adventure wave’ model, which involves a sequence of experiences and activities that are briefed and then reviewed, is then extended to the multiple waves of the dramaturgy—social, physical, creative and psychological. Dramaturgy means ‘the art of theatrical production’, the main task of which is to examine the links between the world and the stage. The ‘dramatist’ chooses themes from society and a place that reflects these themes. Dramaturgy aims to produce a programme which will stimulate self-development, rather than one that will fulfil prescribed course objectives. Dramaturgy requires that each activity or game is part of a whole.
