ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces some central elements and general characteristics of applied drama by briefly addressing its roots and teaching approach. Four genres are presented: role play, process drama, Forum Theatre/Legislative Theatre, and forum play. Role plays usually concern a specific situation, allowing participants to experience the issue at stake by taking another person’s perspective, to understand how different characters’ motives and agendas affect their views. Process drama evolves over time and is co-created by participants and facilitators. It proceeds from a ‘pre-text’, a fictive frame, allowing the topic to be explored from many angles, using different drama conventions or strategies. Forum Theatre is a rehearsed, open-ended theatre performance about injustice/oppression. Legislative Theatre is an extension of Forum Theatre, where the process includes performing in front of lawyers and politicians to affect legislation. Forum play is more improvised and adapted for educational settings. This chapter is particularly valuable for non-specialist drama facilitators in higher education interested in learning more about applied drama.
