WHAT IS DRAMA THERAPY?
Throughout history different forms of therapy have been used as treatment for emotional, mental, and physical illnesses. Among therapists and psychiatrists there is a long tradition of treating these illnesses through drama. The British Association of Drama Therapists defines drama therapy as “the means of helping to understand and alleviate social and psychological problems, mental illness and handicap; and of facilitating symbolic expression, through which man may get in touch with himself both as individual and group, through creativity structures involving vocal and physical communication”(Landy 135). Drama therapy is often concerned with how the patient expresses pain and inner turmoil. Theatre activities in and of themselves are known to have a therapeutic aspect, providing a safe outlet for emotions, a tool for building self-confidence, and a structure for healthy social interaction and integration. The great Russian director and acting teacher Constantin Stanislavski even entitled the first volume of his book on acting, The Actor's Work on Himself. Secondary school teachers who are interested in applying theatre techniques in their classroom must first recognize the therapeutic value of theatre activities and come to an initial understanding and appreciation of the methods and possibilities of drama therapy.