Developing creative solutions to the problems of children and their families: communicative reason and the use of forum theatre

Abstract

The paper represents a further development of work previously reported in this journal by Spratt & Houston (1999) and Spratt et al. (2000). The authors have sought to develop ways of understanding current social work with children and families in line with the critical theory of Jurgen Habermas. This analysis has been complemented by an adoption of the methodology of the radical dramatist, Augusto Boal. In synthesizing Habermas's analysis of communicative discourses with the consciousness raising methodology of Boal, the authors have already demonstrated the effectiveness of this hybrid in problem‐solving exercises with social workers. The present paper reports on an application of this developing theory to practice, utilizing the centrepiece of Boal's method, forum theatre. A forum theatre project, concerned with the issue of bullying, is described and evaluated. It is argued that the project provides an exemplar of an innovative, democratizing and effective methodology that might profitably be utilized in social work with children and families. Finally, suggestions are made as to how these ideas could be developed in practice.

The Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP) — An Overview of and Recommendations Arising from the Conceptualisation and Development of an Innovative Approach to Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for Children and Their Families

“…This method brings the children into the performance enabling them to have an input into the dramatic action they are watching. Such a technique enables the children to explore possible solutions and propose real changes in preparation for real life situations, bestowing a sense of empowerment [ 40 ]. Phase 3 is Personal Goal Setting with Parental Support and encourages the children to reflect on their own behaviours and set goals (based on the HeLP messages) with their parents.…”

Playing in a House of Mirrors

“…As recommended by Ekeland (2004), we focused our courses (theory and practice) on forms of communication that prevent conflict and promote dialogue including the assumption that "all communication which is humiliating, derisive, critical, ironic or sarcastic or which generalises negative qualities, will inhibit development of the dialogue" (p. 210). (Day, 2002;Houston, Magill, McCollum, & Spratt, 2001;Dwyer, 2004). People generally have a tendency to reciprocate in communication (Gouldner, 1960;Putnam & Jones, 1982).…”

Using the Arts to Challenge Hate, Create Community: Laramie Lives in Lowell

“…Recently, theatre has been used in the struggle against the spread of HIV (Bonkoungou, 2005;Madsen, 2002); against domestic violence (Sliep, 2004); for family planning (Morrison, 1995); and to teach parenting (Houston et al, 2001). Michael Rohd, founder of Hope is Vital, has used forum theatre, as it is called, in working with people who have HIV.…”