It is becoming noticeably popular for drama to be used to clear the mind and release tensions and suppressed issues not only in America, but also around the world. Acting out frustrations and problems has appeared to work for many people whether they are already involved in the theatre realm, or have never really lifted the curtain to explore the sphere of this art. This technique is termed Drama Therapy and it enables “participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis” as described by the National Association for Drama Therapy (NADT). There are several different forms that drama therapy can take on (as shown on the chart, in order to release frustrations and issues. With drama therapy being such a broad term, it allows participants to choose how they want to present and express their problem. Because of the effective results from around the world, the attention of theatre will rise once again. Theatre can not only entertain the audience, but also change lives.In Russia for example, Muscovites use the theatre as way of dealing with their frustration by acting out a story of a certain problem they are dealing with, and it is a group effort, which connects people and allows everyone to empathize with others and their problem. This appears to help them cope with their crisis knowing that they are not alone in the dilemma. The Playback theatre in Moscow offers this form of therapy to anyone interested as Russia Today stated that “they tell a story about their life, choose actors to play the various roles, then sit back and watch as their story is recreated on stage.” This spontaneous improvisation releases tension and allows acceptance of what they are dealing with in their lives.
This method may sound surprising for some, however entering into the world of theatre is literally a way of entering into a new world. In order to act as a character on stage, one must be able to empty oneself of all personal problems. This will allow the actor to discover the body and mind of the character he or she is to play. With this, theatre is, in a sense, a meditation, and many different methods of meditation are used worldwide to help relieve current issues and problems people face in their lives. So why not use the passion of theatre in the personal life rather than just the professional? The Drama for Life Research is a prime example of intertwining the professional realm of acting with the personal. Its goals for the future, as described by allAfrica.com, are to use theatre as a way to reach out to comm
unities across Africa and “supports existing organizations devoted to HIV/AIDS education through drama and theatre.” With Africa’s strong background of theatre, the Drama for Life Research’s meta-objective is to help “restore theatre as a central component to quality living”, as displayed to the left. Theatre used to be a tremendous empowering force within everyday life in Africa, but due to globalization as well as many current issues the people face today, the mythical and ritual representation of theatre has somewhat diminished. By way of personalizing theatre on AIDS and HIV victims, and bringing awareness of these issues through the power of theatre, lives and cultures may be made stronger.But Africa is not the only venue. ExpressIndia.com recently published an article informing readers that a hospital in India released a play to cancer patients and relatives in hope to “relieve them of depression.” The method behind this is animated by “how gaining knowledge of the disease and available treatment can be of immense help.” This goes to show that the theatre has tremendous life changing powers and can be used in more way than just pure entertainment. Theatre can bring awareness, solve daily problems, and hopefully change lives.
Rather than repressing a dilemma or quandary, the message of drama therapy is to act it out. Even though drama therapy may not completely omit stress factors for everyone, surrounding oneself with a group of people living with the similar dilemmas can have positive effects. Knowing that a patient is not alone and has the opportunity to not only talk about problems, but also watch the struggle acted out on stage relieves lonesome feelings and brings people together. It is great to know that one's own passion has turned out to be one that has the power of healing. The NADT states that drama therapy allows “participants [to] expand their repertoire of dramatic roles to find that their own life roles have been strengthened.” On another level, one can use this art to bring attention to current issues within the United States such as gay rights, drug abuse, and abstinence. As drama therapy becomes increasingly popular, the assumption is that it must be correspondingly effective, and if so bring positive results back onto the professional side.
