Feeling real and rehearsal for reality: psychosocial aspects of ‘forum theatre’ in care settings and prisons

Abstract

This article discusses psychosocial aspects of a short drama module, drawing on observational research into the adaptation of ‘forum theatre’ by Odd Arts theatre company for people in educational, care and custodial settings. The course facilitated the enactment of life experiences and choices, enhancing self-awareness and reflective capacity. The drama space is considered as ‘third space’, and a transitional space, where participants play with creative illusion in what Augusto Boal called a ‘rehearsal for reality’. We argue that the use of third-space and third-position thinking is key to understanding forum theatre as a restorative practice both through rehearsal and in ‘playing for real’ before an audience ‐ a symbolic community that offers the opportunity for recognition. Problems attendant on the performance of ‘false self’ arise where there is collusive avoidance of difficult issues because the value of forum theatre lies in the achievement of authorship and authenticity ‐ or ‘true self’ ‐ publicly performed and owned. It is this that allows individuals to imagine the possibility of creative living in the future.