Using Drama to Heal Trauma
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At the Sisters' Education Conference in Boston last July, Sister Lucyann shared her expertise in using the Theatre of the Oppressed with teens.
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Everyone knows that play-acting can unearth buried truths. Our Sisters frequently rely on the dramatic arts when helping those living in poverty identify and overcome family dysfunction and social injustice. This is especially true in Belem, Brazil, where Sisters employ a unique dramatic model known as Theatre of the Oppressed. Brazilian artist Augusto Boal developed this theatrical method encouraging interaction between actors and audience during the 1970s. Play-acting helps troubled youth come to grips with personal destructive behaviors and debilitating societal forces. Providing opportunities for reflection through the arts helps youth develop effective coping skills and creative strategies. |
The Healing Arts
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No matter how you spell it, art leads to new insights and critical reflection -- all of which can lead to more productive behavior.
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In impoverished neighborhoods and indigenous villages of northern Brazil, educator and librarian Sister Lucyann seeks out young people struggling with drugs, oppression, prostitution, homelessness and hopelessness. Her mission? To share with them the Good News of the Gospel. In addition to the Theatre of the Oppressed, Sister Lucyann uses arts and crafts, music, dance and Bible Study to help youth imagine new, more productive ways forward. The program encourages young Brazilians of European descent and indigenous youth to work cooperatively with one another. Building community is at the heart of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur mission.
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