Author: Drama Start Books

This is a resource site for early education and primary school educators. The blog shares ideas for teaching creative drama/ drama in education to children.
Posted in Drama for children

The Rainbow of Desire Explained

Posted on by Drama Start Books

 

The Rainbow of Desire is a concept developed by Augusto Boal, the Brazilian theatre director and creator of Forum Theatre, Invisible Theatre, Image Theatre, and Newspaper Theatre. The Rainbow of Desire refers to the various emotions and desires that drive human behavior and can be explored and represented through theatrical performance. Here is a brief overview of what The Rainbow of Desire is and how it works.

What is The Rainbow of Desire?

The Rainbow of Desire is a concept developed by Augusto Boal that refers to the various emotions and desires that drive human behavior. The Rainbow of Desire consists of seven different colors, each representing a different emotion or desire. These colors include red for love, blue for sadness, yellow for happiness, green for envy, black for fear, white for purity, and violet for spiritual aspiration.

How Does it Work?

The Rainbow of Desire can be explored and represented through theatrical performance, with actors using movement, gesture, and physical expression to communicate and embody the various emotions and desires represented by the colors of the rainbow. The performance can be created in real-time, with the actors responding to each other’s movements and creating a shared experience between performers and audiences. The Rainbow of Desire can also be used as a tool for personal and social transformation, allowing individuals to reflect on and explore their own emotions and desires and to create a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

The Benefits of The Rainbow of Desire

The Rainbow of Desire provides a unique and powerful tool for exploring and representing human emotions and desires through theatrical performance. By using movement, gesture, and physical expression, The Rainbow of Desire has the ability to communicate complex emotions and desires in a way that is accessible to audiences of all backgrounds and languages. Additionally, The Rainbow of Desire provides a valuable tool for personal and social transformation, allowing individuals to reflect on and explore their own emotions and desires and to create a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, The Rainbow of Desire is a concept developed by Augusto Boal that refers to the various emotions and desires that drive human behavior. The Rainbow of Desire can be explored and represented through theatrical performance, providing a unique and powerful tool for exploring and communicating complex emotions and desires. By fostering self-reflection and social awareness, The Rainbow of Desire has the potential to promote personal and social transformation and to create a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

Posted in Drama for children

Newspaper Theatre Explained

Posted on by Drama Start Books

 

Newspaper Theatre is a form of theatre that was developed by Augusto Boal, the Brazilian theatre director and creator of Forum Theatre, Invisible Theatre, and Image Theatre. This innovative approach to theatre uses newspapers as the source material for the performance, creating a unique and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Here is a brief overview of what Newspaper Theatre is and how it works.

What is Newspaper Theatre?

Newspaper Theatre is a form of theatre that uses newspapers as the source material for the performance. The performers take headlines, articles, and images from the newspaper and use them to create a theatrical performance that explores and comments on current events and social and political issues. The performance is created in real-time, with the performers responding to the news and creating a shared experience between the performers and audience.

How Does it Work?

Newspaper Theatre performances typically begin with a selection of newspapers and a theme or idea that is suggested by the audience or the performers. The performers then use the material from the newspapers to create a theatrical performance that explores and comments on current events and social and political issues. The performance is created in real-time, with the performers responding to each other’s movements and creating a shared experience between performers and audiences.

The Benefits of Newspaper Theatre

Newspaper Theatre is a powerful tool for promoting social and political awareness and activism. It allows audiences to reflect on and challenge current events and social and political issues in a theatrical and engaging way. By using newspapers as the source material, Newspaper Theatre provides a unique and thought-provoking experience that encourages critical thinking, empathy, and a desire for social change.

In conclusion, Newspaper Theatre is a unique and innovative form of theatre that uses newspapers as the source material for the performance. By promoting social and political awareness and activism, Newspaper Theatre has the ability to engage audiences in a thought-provoking and meaningful way, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a desire for social change.

Posted in Drama for children

Image Theatre Explained

Posted on by Drama Start Books

 

Image Theatre is a form of nonverbal theatre that was developed by Augusto Boal, the Brazilian theatre director and creator of Forum Theatre and Invisible Theatre. This unique and powerful approach to theatre uses movement, gesture, and physical expression to communicate ideas and emotions, and to create a shared experience between performers and audiences. Here is a brief overview of what Image Theatre is and how it works.

What is Image Theatre?

Image Theatre is a form of nonverbal theatre in which actors use movement, gesture, and physical expression to communicate ideas and emotions. The performance is created in real-time, with the actors responding to each other’s movements and creating a shared experience between performers and audiences. Unlike traditional forms of theatre, Image Theatre does not rely on dialogue or script, making it accessible to audiences of all backgrounds and languages.

How Does it Work?

Image Theatre performances typically begin with a theme or idea that is suggested by the audience or the performers. The actors then use movement, gesture, and physical expression to explore and communicate the theme. The performance is created in real-time, with the actors responding to each other’s movements and creating a shared experience between performers and audiences. The audience is invited to participate in the performance by suggesting new themes or movements, allowing the performance to evolve and change in real-time.

The Benefits of Image Theatre

Image Theatre is a powerful tool for promoting communication and understanding. It allows performers and audiences to connect on a deep, nonverbal level, fostering empathy and a sense of community. By using movement, gesture, and physical expression, Image Theatre has the ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions in a way that is accessible to audiences of all backgrounds and languages. Image Theatre also provides a unique and inclusive form of theatrical performance, allowing individuals of all abilities to participate and be valued for their contributions.

In conclusion, Image Theatre is a unique and powerful form of nonverbal theatre that uses movement, gesture, and physical expression to communicate ideas and emotions. By promoting communication and understanding, Image Theatre has the ability to create a shared experience between performers and audiences and to foster empathy and a sense of community.

Posted in Drama for children

Invisible Theatre Explained

Posted on by Drama Start Books

Invisible Theatre is a form of political theatre that was developed by Augusto Boal, the Brazilian theatre director and creator of Forum Theatre. This innovative and thought-provoking approach to theatre aims to engage audiences in a direct and interactive way, allowing them to reflect on and challenge social and political issues in their everyday lives. Here is a brief overview of what Invisible Theatre is and how it works.

What is Invisible Theatre?

Invisible Theatre is a form of theatrical performance in which the audience is not aware that they are watching a performance. The performance is designed to blend in seamlessly with the everyday environment, with actors playing characters in real-life situations, such as waiting in line at a bank or shopping at a grocery store. The performance is designed to challenge the audience’s perception of reality and to provoke reflection and discussion about social and political issues.

How Does it Work?

Invisible Theatre performances typically take place in public spaces, such as shopping centers, parks, or busy streets. The actors blend in with the environment, playing characters in real-life situations, and the audience is not aware that they are watching a performance. As the performance unfolds, the audience begins to see the underlying social and political issues that the performance is exploring. For example, a scene might depict a scenario where a customer is unfairly treated by a store clerk, and the audience is left to reflect on their own experiences with discrimination or prejudice.

The Benefits of Invisible Theatre

Invisible Theatre is a powerful tool for promoting social awareness and activism. It allows audiences to reflect on and challenge social and political issues in their everyday lives, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a desire for social change. By blurring the line between performance and reality, Invisible Theatre encourages audiences to question their perceptions of the world around them and to engage with social and political issues in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, Invisible Theatre is a thought-provoking and innovative form of political theatre that engages audiences in a direct and interactive way. By allowing them to reflect on and challenge social and political issues in their everyday lives, Invisible Theatre has the power to foster social awareness and activism, and to inspire change.

Posted in Drama strategies, Drama techniques, Forum theatre

Forum Theatre Explained

Posted on by Drama Start Books

Forum Theatre is a form of participatory theatre that was developed by Brazilian theatre director Augusto Boal in the 1970s. It is a unique and innovative approach to theatre that engages audiences in a dynamic and interactive way, allowing them to actively participate in the performance and explore solutions to social issues. Here is a brief overview of what Forum Theatre is and how it works.

What is Forum Theatre?

Forum Theatre is a form of theatrical performance in which a scene is enacted, usually depicting a social issue, and the audience is invited to participate in the performance by suggesting alternative solutions to the situation being portrayed. The scene is then replayed with the audience’s suggestions, allowing them to see the impact of their ideas in real-time.

How Does it Work?

Forum Theatre performances typically begin with a short scene that depicts a social issue, such as discrimination, poverty, or inequality. The scene is then frozen, and the audience is invited to offer solutions to the situation being portrayed. A member of the audience is chosen to act out their suggestion, and the scene is replayed with the new solution. This process is repeated several times, with different audience members offering different solutions, until the audience is satisfied that they have explored all possible solutions to the issue being depicted.

The Benefits of Forum Theatre

Forum Theatre is a powerful tool for promoting social change and empowering communities. It allows audiences to explore and experiment with solutions to social issues in a safe and supportive environment, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. By participating in Forum Theatre performances, audiences can gain a deeper understanding of social issues, develop empathy and compassion for those affected by these issues, and gain the confidence and skills necessary to take action and create positive change in their communities.

In conclusion, Forum Theatre is a dynamic and innovative form of participatory theatre that engages audiences in a unique and interactive way. By allowing them to actively participate in the performance and explore solutions to social issues, Forum Theatre has the power to foster social change and empower communities.

Posted in Homelessness, Issue related drama, Process vs product drama

Drama workshop that deals with the issue of homelessness

Posted on by Drama Start Books

Homeless

Drama Workshop: Exploring Homelessness

Objective: To raise awareness and understanding about the issue of homelessness and its impact on individuals and society.

Duration: 2 hours

Materials:

  • A large open space for participants to move around and act out scenes
  • Props such as cardboard boxes, blankets, and old clothing items to simulate a homeless setting
  • Writing materials (pen and paper)

Instructions:

Introduction (10 minutes):

  • Welcome the participants and introduce the topic of the workshop.
  • Briefly explain the objective and what the participants can expect to achieve by the end of the workshop.

Warm-Up (15 minutes):

  • Get the participants moving and interacting with each other by playing some physical warm-up games that encourage cooperation and creativity.
    • Start with some simple physical warm-up exercises to get the participants moving and comfortable with each other.
    • Introduce an improvisation game called “Yes, and…”. Explain the rules of the game: participants take turns making statements, and each statement must be followed by another statement that begins with “Yes, and…” The goal is to keep the conversation going and build upon each other’s ideas.
    • Encourage the participants to be creative and spontaneous in their responses.
    • This game helps to break the ice and get the participants used to working with each other in a collaborative and supportive environment.

    Example: Participant 1: “I woke up this morning to a beautiful sunrise.” Participant 2: “Yes, and I saw a group of birds flying in formation.” Participant 3: “Yes, and I felt a sense of peace and calm wash over me.”

    By playing this game, the participants can start to build a sense of trust and rapport with each other, which will be important for the rest of the workshop activities.

  • Group Discussion (30 minutes): 
    • Divide the participants into groups of 4-5 and provide them with writing materials.
    • Ask the groups to brainstorm and list down the causes and effects of homelessness.
    • After 10 minutes, ask each group to share their lists and add to the collective list created by the entire group.If you want to extend this you could get them to to think about the following questions 
    • What are some of the common misconceptions about homelessness?
    • What are some of the root causes of homelessness, in your opinion?
    • Can you think of any examples of how homelessness affects individuals and communities?
    • How do you think society can work together to address the issue of homelessness?
    • Have you or anyone you know personally been affected by homelessness?
    • What role do you think government, non-profit organizations, and individuals play in addressing homelessness?

Scene Creation (45 minutes):

  • Divide the participants into smaller groups (4-5 people per group).
  • Provide each group with props such as cardboard boxes, blankets, and old clothing items to simulate a homeless setting.
  • Explain that the goal of this activity is to create short scenes that illustrate the causes and effects of homelessness, based on the list generated during the group discussion.
  • Encourage the participants to be creative and to use the props provided to help create a realistic setting.
  • Remind the participants to be respectful and to avoid stereotypes or assumptions about homelessness.
  • Give the groups approximately 30 minutes to create their scenes.
  • Once the scenes are ready, ask each group to present their scene to the rest of the participants.
  • After each presentation, encourage the participants to provide constructive feedback to the presenting group. Feedback can include observations about the scene’s impact, suggestions for improvement, or praise for particularly effective elements.
  • Repeat the process until all groups have presented their scenes.

The goal of this activity is to provide the participants with an opportunity to use their creativity and imagination to explore the issue of homelessness in a hands-on way. By acting out scenes and presenting them to each other, the participants can gain a deeper understanding of the issue and its impact on individuals and communities. The feedback process also provides an opportunity for the participants to learn from each other and to build upon each other’s ideas.

Reflection (30 minutes):

  • After all the scenes have been shared, ask the participants to take a moment to reflect on their experience.
  • Start by asking the participants to share what they learned from the scene creation activity.
  • Encourage the participants to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the issue of homelessness.
  • Ask the participants to think about what they can do, both individually and collectively, to help address the issue of homelessness in their communities.
  • Lead a group discussion to share the participants’ thoughts and ideas.
  • Summarize the key points that were discussed, and encourage the participants to take notes to remember what they learned.

The reflection part of the workshop provides an opportunity for the participants to process their experiences and to think more deeply about the issue of homelessness. By reflecting on what they learned and discussing their thoughts and ideas with each other, the participants can gain a deeper understanding of the issue and its impact, as well as explore potential solutions. This reflection time can help to solidify the participants’ learning and ensure that they walk away from the workshop with a deeper appreciation for the issue of homelessness and a desire to make a difference.

Posted in Drama for children

Saint Brigid and the Magic Cloak ~ A play-script for children for St. Brigid’s Day

Posted on by Drama Start Books

Characters:

  • Saint Brigid
  • A poor family (Mother, Father, and two Children)
  • A King

Act 1:

(Scene opens with Saint Brigid walking on a dirt road. She stops in front of a small, rundown house and knocks on the door. A poor family answers)

Saint Brigid: Good morning, my name is Saint Brigid. I have heard that you are in need of help.

Mother: (wiping tears) Yes, we are. Our crops have failed, and we have nothing to feed our children.

Father: We are in desperate need of food and clothing.

Saint Brigid: I understand. I have a gift for you. (She pulls out a cloak from her bag) This is a magic cloak. It will never run out of food or clothing for as long as you need it.

Mother: (in disbelief) A magic cloak?

Saint Brigid: Yes, it is a gift from God. All you have to do is spread it out on the ground and it will be filled with food and clothing.

(The family takes the cloak and spreads it out on the ground. Suddenly, it is filled with bread, fruits, vegetables, and clothes)

Children: (excitedly) Thank you, Saint Brigid!

Saint Brigid: You’re welcome, my children. Remember, this cloak is a gift from God. Use it wisely and always be thankful.

(Saint Brigid leaves)

Act 2:

(Scene opens with Saint Brigid walking on a dirt road. She meets the King who is riding on a horse)

King: Halt! Who are you and where are you going?

Saint Brigid: I am Saint Brigid, and I am on a mission to help the poor and needy.

King: I have heard of your magic cloak. I want it for myself.

Saint Brigid: I’m sorry, but the cloak is not for sale. It is a gift from God for the poor and needy.

King: I am the King, and I demand that you give me the cloak!

Saint Brigid: I will not give you the cloak. It is not mine to give. It belongs to those in need.

King: Then you shall be punished for your disobedience!

Saint Brigid: I will not be punished for following God’s will. You may do as you wish, but I will continue to help those in need with the magic cloak.

(The King, realizing the Saint’s unwavering faith, and the generosity of her actions, changed his mind)

King: You are right, I apologize. Keep the cloak and continue your work, I will make sure to help the poor as well.

Saint Brigid: Thank you, your Highness. May God bless you.

(King rides away, and Saint Brigid continues her journey to help others)

The end.

 

 

Posted in Drama for children

Chinese New Year Drama Activities

Posted on by Drama Start Books

  1. “The Dragon Dance”: The dragon dance is a popular part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Have the group work together to create a dragon costume using materials such as paper, cardboard, and streamers. Then, have the group perform a dragon dance to traditional Chinese music.
  2. “The New Year’s Banquet”: This activity involves role-playing a traditional Chinese New Year’s banquet. Have the group plan and prepare a menu of dishes, and assign roles such as host, guests, and servers. Then, have the group set the table, serve the food, and enjoy a mock banquet together.
  3. “The Fortune Telling Game”: In this activity, the group will pretend to be fortune tellers, and will use props such as paper fortune tellers and tarot cards to predict each other’s futures. Players can take turns reading each other’s fortunes, and can use this activity as an opportunity to practice improvisation and storytelling skills.
  4. The Lion Dance”: Similar to the dragon dance, the lion dance is another popular part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Have the group create a lion costume using materials such as paper mache, cardboard, and streamers. Then, have the group perform a lion dance to traditional Chinese.
  5. The Great Race”: This activity is based on the legend of the Chinese zodiac, in which the animals raced to determine their place in the zodiac calendar. Divide the group into teams, and assign each team one of the zodiac animals. Have the teams perform a series of challenges or obstacles, and the first team to finish wins the race
Posted in Creativity in the early years

The importance of learning dispositions

Posted on by Drama Start Books

Learning dispositions are attitudes and habits that support and enhance learning. They are the qualities that help students approach learning with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to take risks. Developing strong learning dispositions is essential for academic success and lifelong learning.

There are many different learning dispositions that are important for students to cultivate. Some of the most important ones include:

  • Curiosity: A curious learner is always seeking out new information and experiences. They are curious about the world around them and are eager to learn more about it.
  • Openness: An open learner is receptive to new ideas and is willing to consider different perspectives. They are open to change and are not afraid to challenge their own assumptions.
  • Persistence: A persistent learner is determined to succeed and is willing to work hard to achieve their goals. They are not easily discouraged and are willing to try again if they encounter setbacks.
  • Reflectiveness: A reflective learner is able to think critically about their own learning process. They are able to identify what works for them and what doesn’t, and are able to make adjustments accordingly.
  • Responsibility: A responsible learner takes ownership of their own learning. They are reliable and follow through on their commitments, and they understand that their actions have consequences.

Developing strong learning dispositions is an ongoing process that requires time and effort. It’s important for students to be exposed to a variety of learning experiences that challenge them to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Teachers and parents can help students develop strong learning dispositions by providing a supportive and nurturing learning environment, encouraging exploration and inquiry, and helping students set and work towards meaningful goals.

In conclusion, learning dispositions are essential for academic success and lifelong learning. They are the attitudes and habits that support and enhance learning, and they are developed over time through exposure to a variety of learning experiences. By helping students develop strong learning dispositions, we can set them up for success in school and in life.

Posted in Creativity in the early years

The importance of open ended questions when teaching creativity

Posted on by Drama Start Books


As educators, we know that the early years of a child’s life are crucial for their development. During this time, children are constantly learning and exploring the world around them, and it is our job to create an environment that fosters their curiosity and encourages them to think creatively. One of the best ways to do this is by using open-ended questions when teaching creativity in the early years.

Open-ended questions are questions that do not have a single, specific answer. They encourage children to think critically and come up with their own unique solutions or ideas. This type of questioning is particularly effective for promoting creativity because it allows children to express themselves and come up with original ideas.

For example, instead of asking a child “What color is the sky?”, you could ask “How do you think the sky changes color throughout the day?” This open-ended question allows the child to use their imagination and come up with their own explanation for the changing colors of the sky.

In addition to promoting creativity, open-ended questions have a number of other benefits for children in the early years. They help children to develop their language skills, as they are encouraged to explain their thoughts and ideas in more detail. They also help children to think more critically and to develop problem-solving skills, as they must come up with their own solutions to open-ended questions.

Using open-ended questions is a simple, yet powerful way to encourage creativity in the early years. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or caregiver, try incorporating open-ended questions into your interactions with children. You may be surprised by the creative and thoughtful responses you receive!