A Quick Guide to Drama Therapy for the Black Community by : Raquel Jones
Introduction:
Drama therapy, a dynamic and creative intervention, can significantly contribute to the mental wellness of the Black community. By incorporating elements of theatre therapy and psychodrama, individuals can explore emotions, build resilience, and foster a sense of community.
1. Understanding Psychodrama:
Black Lightning
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Psychodrama, inspired by real-life situations, provides a safe space to address personal and interpersonal challenges.
Role-playing scenes akin to powerful narratives in "Black Lightning" can help individuals express complex emotions.
2. Embracing Theatre Therapy:
Insecure
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Theatre therapy encompasses diverse dramatic techniques, offering a broader exploration.
Scenes from "Insecure" showcase the transformative power of creative expression and engagement within a community.
3. Tailoring Drama Therapy for Adolescents:
Grown-ish
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Adolescents can benefit from drama therapy, addressing social anxiety through creative play.
Inspired by the themes in "Grown-ish," improvisational theater becomes a liberating space for self-expression.
4. Community Building for Adults:
Power Book II: Ghost
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Drama therapy adapts seamlessly for adults, fostering a sense of community.
Similar to "Power Book II: Ghost," creative group interventions can provide a platform for expression and connection.
5. Addressing Societal Issues:
Atlanta
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Drama therapy becomes a catalyst for social change, addressing broader societal issues.
Like the narratives in "Atlanta," theatre of the oppressed techniques empower communities to voice concerns and advocate for justice.
6. Combating Social Isolation in Older Individuals:
The Jeffersons
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For socially isolated older individuals, drama therapy offers a transformative outlet.
Scenes from "The Jeffersons" can inspire creative activities that break the shackles of isolation.
7. Mental Wellness and Drama Therapy:
This Is Us
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Drama therapy plays a vital role in promoting mental wellness, offering avenues for self-expression and healing.
"This Is Us" depicts the power of drama therapy in addressing complex family dynamics and emotional struggles, showcasing its impact on mental well-being.
Conclusion:
Incorporating drama therapy, with its diverse techniques inspired by popular TV shows, can be a powerful tool for mental wellness in the Black community. By engaging in psychodrama, theatre therapy, and communal activities, individuals can navigate challenges, express emotions, and build meaningful connections.
ARJones
References:
Bourner, T., & Cornwell, L. (2006). Theatre of the oppressed and environmental justice communities: A transformational therapy for the body politic. Journal of Applied Psychology, 13(2), 166-179. https://journals-sagepub-com.libproxy.uncg.edu/doi/epdf/10.1177/1359105307086710
Felsman, P., Seifert, C. M., & Himle, J. A. (2019). The use of improvisational theater training to reduce social anxiety in adolescents. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 63, 111-117. http://dx.doi.org.libproxy.uncg.edu/10.1016/j.aip.2018.12.001
Greaves, C. J., & Farbus, L. (2006). Effects of Creative and Social Activity on the Health and Well-being of Socially Isolated Older People: Outcomes from a Multi-Method Observational Study. Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, 126(3), 134–142. https://doi.org/10.1177/1466424006064303
Jones, A (2024) Drama Therapy: Mental Wellness for All, UNCG Spring 2024 Psy 401 - Academic Writing In Psychology
Lurie, H. J. (1973). The Actress as a Mental Health Teacher. Psychiatry in Medicine, 4(2), 183–190. http://dx.doi.org.libproxy.uncg.edu/10.2190/9GL0-4UHD-6CWW-EMG5
Orkibi, H., Keisari, S., Sajnani, N. L., & de Witte, M. (2023, April 27). Effectiveness of Drama-Based Therapies on Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Studies. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. Advance online publication. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/aca0000582
Perrez, M., & Pacherie, E. (2020). Playback theatre in adult day centers: A creative group intervention for community-dwelling older adults. PLOS ONE, XX(X), e0239812. http://dx.doi.org.libproxy.uncg.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0239812
Smith, J. R., Johnson, A. B., & Williams, C. D. (2016). Comedic Improv Therapy for the Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. Journal of Mental Health Interventions, 20(3), 45-62. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2016.118288
Seventeen. (n.d.). 20 Black TV Shows to Stream Right Now. https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/movies-tv/g35904243/best-black-tv-show
blacktvsitcoms And if you’re not singing “MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE” by the end of the song, are you even a real fan? 🫶🏾😍 what are your fav moments from the show?
Art of the Times Art Show Oct 29 7pm to 11pm EST Interview with DTM on IG Oct 25 8pm EST https://www.instagram.com/artofthetimesartshow/ Tri-Cities Tattoo Company 1597 White Way East Point GA "Art of the Times" exhibit celebrates and illustrates depictions of 80s and 90s Black classic TV/Film. Produced by @absolutelydivineevents @tracee_artistry Hosted by Tri-Cities Tattoo Company @tricitiestattoo featuring the art of @artbyayshapen @cfluxsing @nutellabrownbaby @cbrooksart @biggdras @deltatangomike @occasionalsuperstar @quintero_nbdmg @john_hairston_jr @superkay.art @keefcross @lordyattaarte @phyllis.iller @miragedoesframing @mrhitchcock_artatl @ttcolesphotos @tracee_artistry @tyroneredcooley @therealvannablack #ArtofTheTimesArtShow #ArtofTheTimes #TriCitiesTattoo #artexhibit #artshow #karaoke #KaraokeDisciples #Blackmovies #BlackTV #TraceeArtistry #TraceeGinyard #KimberlyStewartLucas #AbsolutelyDivineEvents (at Tri-Cities Tattoo Company) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkJxrc1pELn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
“How am I supposed to Act, Mane?” 😂😂 Repost from @therealbrandee • I’m standing in solidarity with the #WGA #wgastrong ‼️Aht Aht….Before commenting strong and WRONG, take a few minutes and do research about WHY UNION WRITERS are striking EVERYWHERE. So that means ALLLLLLLLL NETWORKS. ALL… not just @starz. Read y’all. Take a minute on this good Wednesday and READ. Love, the former English teacher. 😘 #pvalley #blacktv #blacktvshows #television #blackwomenshowrunners #screenwriters #blackwomen #wgastrong — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/Rkl7O6t
Thank You to my sister and nephew @donymac for creating a dope video recap of @artofthetimesartshow 🙏🏼
Dope! Dope! recap of ART OF THE TIMES Art show! This won't be the last we have some more Dope shows coming soon.
Art of The Times Art Show is on display until Saturday, December 3. Please come by to see the work of these amazing artists at Tri-Cities Tattoo Company Tuesday-Saturday, from 12:00pm to 9:00pm. Please CALL (404) 330-8006 before heading over!
WHAT A DYNAMIC LIST OF VISUAL ARTISTS!!! DON'T MISS THIS EXPERIENCE!!!
@artbyayshapen
@cfluxsing
@nutellabrownbaby
@cbrooksart
@biggdras
@deltatangomike
@quintero_nbdmg
@superkay.art
@keefcross
@lordyattaarte
@phyllis.iller
@miragedoesframing
@mrhitchcock_artatl
@justivkicks
@tracee_artistry
@tyroneredcooley
@therealvannablack
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
"Art of the Times" Art Show & Costume Party celebrates and illustrates depictions of 80s and 90s Black classic TV and films.
The night also includes a children-friendly "Family Hour," during 7:00-8:00pm with treats, activities and safety-minded games.
Later in the evening, a few #KaraokeDisciples will be in the house...that may or may not have a microphone to sing TV/movie soundtrack lyrics of and stuff. 👀👀👀🎶🎼🎵🎤✨❤️
This show is curated by Tracee Ginyard of Tracee Artistry @tracee_artistry and Kimberly Stewart-Lucas @warriormamma of Absolutely Divine Events @absolutelydivineevents , and hosted by Tri-Cities Tattoo Company @tricitiestattoo. (Thank you so much Tyrone Red Cooley!)
Bartending provided by Ayesha Parham of Visionaries Bartending Service @visionariesbartendingservice!
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What if Viola Davis and Kerry Washington switched places in How to Get Away with Murder (HTGAWM) and in Scandal? The show Scandal didn’t do as great as HTGAWM... I am curious why? I feel like the targeted audience could have played a role because as I began watching these two shows - I’m deeper into Scandal - all I could think was who are the targeted audiences for these shows? Of course, a lighter black woman, Olivia Pope would be cast as the main lead because the show just wouldn’t be fine with a woman with more melanin. I am not saying it’s bad but I do think there would have been a different outcome of the show. Black and White people can look at Olivia and be like damn she’s hot playing the role of a presidential mistress... BUT! I think the show would have lost viewers had a woman like Viola Davis... maybe even Gabriella Union (only bc she looks young and fine) played the role it would have been a different story. It’s important to know your audience is all I'm saying, and it’s just intriguing to me to consider these things. Next, I wanted to bring up the Jezebel role Kerry Washington is playing... it’s making me feel some type of way (upset). Because in Black TV/Film we see a lot of stereotypes of women. Jezebel being the top, followed by the Angry Black Woman and the Strong Black Woman Persona, I guess I could save those for another day to discuss.