ABSTRACT
Drama therapy can be used not only to promote personal healing but also social change. The author refers to relevant drama therapy publications that pertain to social justice, and advocates for a multicultural and multidimensional lens in all drama therapy practice. How drama therapy is aligned with (and also differs from) socio-politically oriented theatre such as Theatre of the Oppressed is articulated. Drama therapy methods naturally foster perspective and a multiplicity of lenses, and can be particularly useful in facilitating the intense emotional and interpersonal dynamics that often arise in social justice oriented work. The chapter describes how dynamic drama therapeutic methods can be integrated in diversity trainings. Also described is Theatre for Change, an ongoing project in which original theatre productions aimed at raising consciousness about diversity, inclusion, oppression, and inequality are devised (by drama therapy students at the California Institute of Integral Studies) and performed for the university. The author discusses issues and offers recommendations in producing such theatre within and outside of higher education settings.
Drama therapists can apply their skills toward shedding spotlights on oppression, augmenting alliance across difference, taking active stances against injustice, and moving toward a more empathic and inclusive world.
