THEATRE IN EDUCATION PERFORMANCE PROJECT SESSION 9 THEATRE

THEATRE IN EDUCATION PERFORMANCE PROJECT SESSION 9 – THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES Last week… Demonstrated practical links in educational theory and TIE (built on session 3) Explored affects of educational policy and ideology in TIE Applied ideas practically through the conventions of multirole & representation This week… Explore how games are used in both theatrical and educational contexts Demonstrate and practice games used in theatre to foster socialisation, education and creativity in groups.

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES Boal was a significant proponent for the power of games – for him, games are the connector between the motivations of theatre and it’s eventual ‘form’. “The games…deal with the expressivity of the body as emitter and receiver of messages. The games are a dialogue, they require an interlocutor. ” (Boal, 2002: 48) Image from (no date, https: //www. cardboardcitizens. org. uk/theatre-

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES Games and playing are a vital component to many forms of theatre (Johnston, 2005), especially TIE (Wooster, 2016: 25). In this context, playing can be considered within three main ‘forms’; -Playing for socialisation -Playing for education -Playing for creativity

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES Play & Games to Socialise Think back to the types of games we have done in each session. How have they helped you to bond as a group? What effects have you felt as a group?

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES Play & Games to Socialise “With the atmosphere altered by the spontaneity of games, the facilitator can capitalise on the resulting shifts of perception. Participants have been pushed literally and metaphorically ‘off balance’ so they’re less guarded. Chances are, they’re now more open to accept unusual challenges. ” (Johnston, 2005: 46)

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES Play & Games to Educate What do you know about play in educational theory?

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES Play & Games to Educate Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is created in play: “ As in the focus of a magnifying glass, play contains all the developmental tendencies in a condensed form; in play it is as though the child were trying to jump above the level of his normal behaviour” (Vygotsky, 1978: 70, cited in Souto -Manning, 2001) Remember; ZPD is considered as influential theory in the creation of TIE (Wooster, 2016; Jackson, 2007)!

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES Play & Games to Create Think back to the types of games we have used to create. How have they worked? What were the processes involved in the playful creativity?

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES Play & Games to Create Creativity is all about being playful Devising theatre is a process of playing with stories, ideas and characters (e. g. Johnston, 2005) Play encourages experimental work (e. g. Boal, 2002; Johnstone, 1989)

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES The rules of play For games to be successful (in any context), certain aspects need to be considered; In workshops, games must be practiced/demonstrated before the ‘real’ game starts. Need to think about the ‘dynamic’ of the game and of the group (i. e. do you want to begin with high energy? Do the group have the abilities needed to play? ). Is there a clear point to the game? Can participants see why they are playing? Will the game make people feel uncomfortable? Will it be adaptable if it doesn’t play well?

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES Practical Let’s play games for socialising, educating and creating and reflect back on them. Warm Up Wizards, Giants & Elves Socialising Educating Creating Dracula I have a ship/ABC improv Yes, and… There is only one liar Angel/Devil Dilemma One word stories Some games taken from: (Farmer, 2007; Johnston, 2005)

THEATRE, EDUCATION & GAMES References Boal, A. (2002) Games for Actors and Non-Actors. Oxon: Routledge. Farmer, D. (2007) 101 Drama Games & Activities. Lulu Jackson, A. (2007) Theatre, Education and the Making of Meanings. Manchester: Manchester University Press. Johnston, C. (2005) House of Games; Making Theatre from Everyday Life. London: Nick Hern Books. Johnstone, K. (1989) Impro; Improvisation and the Theatre. London: Methuen Drama Souto-Manning, M. (2011) ‘Playing with power and privilege: Theatre games in teacher education’, Teaching and Teacher Education, 27(6), 997 -1007. Wooster, R. (2016) Theatre in Education in Britain; Origins, Development and Influence. London: Bloomsbury