Applications of Dramatic Literature & Role-Play

The five sequential phases of drama therapy each have a direct set of goals. In phase one, dramatic play, establishes a safety net, a playful environment where clients feel safe to do the tough work to follow. Phase one is extremely important for it is where trust begins to develop both in ôoneÆs own capacities,ö ôbetween group membersö and ôin the therapistö (Emunah 1994, 35). Generating spontaneity as well as building relationships and interaction is also a goal of phase one. Phase two, scenework, involves theater as its conceptual source. The main goal of the therapist in phase two is ensuring ôthe freedom that promotes self-expression and role-expansionö are developed, (Emunah 1994, 37). On phase three, role play, clients are now prepared to use drama to investigate situation in their own lives. Role play is extremely significant for phase three, as it demonstrates that role play is ôa dress rehearsal for lifeö (Emunah 1994, 39). In phase four, culminating enactment, by enacting roles in created dramas clients are able to gain access to unconscious thoughts and feelings. Psychodrama and psychodramatics are the core conceptual source of phase four.

Phase five, dramatic ritual, has as its chief goal closure. Phase five integrates and assimilates the therapeutic process from prior sessions in a way that brings closure to the client and group. Dramatic rituals are the main dramatic process in phase five, and it is i

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ating such insight and self-understanding is paramount. When Shawn expressed her desire to make a visit to see her estranged father, the therapist understood that her level of develop was not such to engender a positive reunion. However, this demonstrates how role play can be an effective tool in helping individuals prepare for future work and for life situations they will encounter. As the adult role playing to her young self, Shawn finally breaks through and comes to terms with her fears of abandonment. She learns she does not have to say goodbye to this part of her self. Because of this, though she had to come to closure with some parts of her that are irretrievably lost, Shawn was ôtaking herselfö with her (Emunah 1994, 54). We see the important role played by the therapist in another case study, that of Lisa. Lisa is dealing with unresolved feelings and emotions based on her foster motherÆs smothering her brother when she was five years old. We see that in early role play and use of dramatic literature, LisaÆs roles and skits are funny and vivid but they do not exhibit emotion. Nevertheless they unearth the expression and spontaneity that are necessary for therapeutic progress. Her earth-shattering screams are symbol
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Approximate Word count = 2319
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)