GUEST BLOG: Drama therapy at the Piet Patsa

This was my second time volunteering at the Dramatic Need Piet Patsa Art centre in Rammulotsi/Viljoenskroon and what an absolute delight! As with my previous time, I volunteered as a drama therapist, and facilitator working with an incredible group of adolescents. 

It always amazes me how powerful drama is and can be in whichever form it is applied. I spent 4 days with a group of 15 girls, exploring role-play, storytelling and enactment, and most importantly a taste of a typical drama therapeutic experience. The participants always tell you what they need and how ready they are to engage with the medium, which in this case was fascinating as this group of girls demonstrated a great enthusiasm and commitment to the process. Of course in such a limited time, I could not do very deep therapeutic work, however I believe that the space offered a strong sense of containment and safety where the participants openly expressed themselves and had fun without any consequence or inhibitions.

Located on a farm, the environment itself adds a calm and therapeutic touch to the entire experience. I am really grateful the opportunity to have met and worked with some of the children from the centre and to have shared a bit of drama therapy. I hope that this is only the beginning of more important work to be done in the future. To all the girls, and the team, ke a leboha! I look forward to working with you again.

Esme spent a week with us at the Piet Patsa Community Arts Centre working with a specific cohort of learners. To find out more about volunteer opportunities visit http://www.dramaticneed.org/volunteer