drama&

SOCIAL WORK

Prepared by Van Tran

Table of content

What is drama? Types of drama Function of drama Drama in Social Work: Applied Drama References

What is drama?

The term “drama” comes from a Greek word meaning action.

An older meaning of 'drama' was the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. (Elam, 1980).

Drama is an adaptation, recreation and reflection of reality on stage.

Nowadays, drama is a term used to refer to a genre of film or television which is more serious than comedy.

Drama is an imitation of life.

Definition from merriam-webster dictionary: a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance.

The term drama is used at the following three different levels:

1. Performance

2. Composition

3. Branch of Literature

Types of drama

Tragedy Comedy Melodrama Tragi-Comedy

Tragedy

Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete and of acertain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artisticornaments, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play;in the from of action not of narrative; through pity and fear effecting aproper purgation of these emotions.

Comedy

We use the words 'comedy' and comic to describe something that is funny in our everyday lives. These include a joke, or a fantastic story that is full of nonsense, or an absurd appearance that makes us giggle, smile or laugh. The purpose of comedy is to delight, to teach and to entertain the audience through the presentation of characters, situations and ideas in a ridiculous manner.

Melodrama

The word melodrama is coined from melo (music) and dran (drama). It is, therefore, a play that utilizes music extensively. But the utilization ofmusic is not the only factor in melodrama, what really makes it melodrama is its portrayal of the protagonist and the antagonist.

Tragi-comedy

In traditional tragedy, playwrights are not allowed to bring in any comic action. As time went on, even from the Elizabethan period, comic characters were included in tragic plays. This is called comic relief. Tragi-comedy is a play that mixes both comic and tragic elements in equal proportion of each.

Function of drama To entertain, inform and educate people. Drama assists in the development of :

- the use of imagination- powers of creative self expression- decision making and problem solving skills- understanding of self and the world- self confidence, sense of worth and respect and consideration for others.

The drama of any society, therefore, reflects the problems, aspirations, philosophy and cultural background of the people.

Drama in Social Work: Applied Drama

Applied Drama: drama practice in a specific social context.

Helen Nicholson, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK: Applied drama/theatre relates to work which is orientated towards aspects of social change, personal development and community-building through various forms of participation in drama, theatre and other performance practices.

Drama Therapy

The ancient Greeks used drama for catharsis. As anyone who has acted knows, theater can tap into emotions, build self esteem, and reduce feelings of isolation.

Drama therapy uses drama and theatre processes intentionally to achieve therapeutic goals. These include:- symptom relief

- emotional and physical integration- improvement of interpersonal skills and relationships

- personal growth.- healing trauma.

 Drama therapy has been used in a wide array of settings, including mental health facilities, schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, correctional facilities, adolescent group homes, nursing homes, housing projects, and theaters, among others.

Target of Drama Therapy

Children, adolescents and adults who show psychological and behavioral problems.

Young offenders Youth at risk Addicted clients

How can drama therapy help heal communities?

References Elements of Drama, National Open University of

Nigeria Interactive theatre: Drama as social intervention (John

William Somers, 2008) http://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/practice/

Theater_Processes_Therapeutic_in_Drama_Therapy Drama as therapy for young offenders http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drama (2006) Applied Theatre/Drama: an e-debate in 2004,

Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, 11:1, 90-95, DOI:10.1080/13569780500437960

Thank you for your attention!