ABSTRACT
This chapter explores, interrogate and expand understandings of the relationship between drama and social justice. The development of a critical intellectual tradition is significant in applied drama in order to allow the field to have cultural capital within the broader fields of education and theatre. In many respects the idea of praxis, presented by Freire and so central to the emergent drama education and applied theatre fields over the last 30 years, remains as powerfully resonant as ever, but has now to be reconceptualised for the twenty-first century. The potent mix of action and reflection embodied in the 'true word' remains as vital as ever to the work of the field, particularly at intersections such as that presented by drama and social justice. But, the case to be made is that the framing of the action needs to be considered, rigorous, and grounded in best practice, and the reflection needs to be dialogic, public and engaged.
