The participants in this rigorous and highly engaging 3-day intensive workshop will experience and explore foundational practices and theories of drama therapy. Special attention will be given to the use of action methods for trauma response and resiliency building.
The workshop is the first in a Cairo-based series that aims to prepare psychosocial workers and theatre artists for professional practice in the field of drama therapy. This workshop is led by Jessica Litwak and Ben Rivers, two experienced teachers and practitioners in the field of therapeutic and applied theatre.
Read more on the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/552068394836172/
DATES/TIMES
June 17 – 19, 9:30am – 4pm each day. Participants must attend all days and all hours.
VENUE
Studio Emad Eddin, 18 Emad Eddin Street, Downtown Cairo, Egypt.
COST
100 Egyptian Pounds.
DRAMA THERAPY
Drama therapy utilizes the performing arts for psychotherapeutic purposes. Through the use of role-play, stories, myths, puppetry, masks and improvisation, drama therapy enables safe expression of emotion, whilst inviting fresh perspectives and insights to emerge. In the dramatic realm, participants are able to experiment with new roles, behaviors and specific actions that can be applied in life. By engaging the mind, body and spirit, drama therapy provides a holistic response to internal conflicts and painful life experiences. Dramatherapists are thus artists, healers and clinicians who use their various skills to engage clients in effecting psychological, emotional and social change. Dramatherapy is a powerful tool for trauma healing and has been used internationally as an effective response to the impact of various forms of discrimination, violence, abuse and oppression.
ENTRY CRITERIA
This workshop is open to theatre artists, educators, social workers and psychotherapists with an interest in therapeutic drama.
LANGUAGE
The workshop will be delivered in English with Arabic translation.
THE FACILITATORS
Jessica Litwak is a playwright, performer, educator, Registered Drama Therapist and activist/organizer. Litwak is the Artistic Director of the New Generation Theatre Ensemble and the H.E.A.T. Collective. She is the author of many plays including the award-winning A Pirate’s Lullaby. Litwak’s work has been published by Applause Books, Smith and Krause, and The New York Times. She has taught as a full-time theatre faculty member at San Francisco State University and Los Angeles City College. Litwak currently leads workshops and training programs in the USA and abroad.
Ben Rivers is a Registered Drama Therapist who specializes in the use of Psychodrama and Playback Theatre for trauma response and political advocacy. Over the past 13 years he has worked extensively with individuals, families and communities impacted by structural oppression, political violence and collective trauma. Ben has led trainings and workshops in Australia, the Middle East, North Africa and North America. Ben currently leads the Playback Theatre and Trauma Response Training Program at The Freedom Theatre in Jenin, Occupied Palestine. He holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies, USA. Ben is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of New England, Australia.
ORGANIZERS
The Freedom Theatre in partnership with Studio Emad Eddin.
THE FREEDOM THEATRE
The Freedom Theatre is a Palestinian theatre and cultural centre based in Jenin Refugee Camp, Occupied Palestine.
STUDIO EMAD EDDIN
A unique project in the Arab World, Studio Emad Eddin (S.E.E.) offers rehearsal, training and residency space to independent troupes and artists in the field of performing arts in Egypt, the Arab World and, in the case of residencies, internationally. The aim of S.E.E. is to strengthen the field of performing arts in Egypt, advocating cooperation and trust among artists, a policy of open access and promoting contacts and links among Egyptian, regional and international artists.
REGISTRATION
To apply for a place in this workshop, please contact Studio Emad Eddin: info@seefoundation.org . You will be sent an application form that must be completed and returned by June 10th. Workshop numbers are limited. We therefore advise that you apply as soon as possible.