ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 charts the author’s journey into conducting applied theater workshops with refugees in Jordan. The chapter notes, specifically, his field observations of gender dynamics and conservatism within the context of the Middle East. This chapter provides insights into the cultural context of conducting applied theater work with predominantly Muslim refugees in the West. It is important to note that most of the refugees resettled in the West are from Global South countries where conservatism is the norm and where gender dynamics are uniquely different from those in the West. In addition, the chapter tackles the nuts and bolts of applied theater practice while addressing specific concepts such as empathy, reflection, and the role of the facilitator.
