HIRAETH

Theatre In Education (TIE)

TIE projects use Drama to raise awareness of, and encourage solutions for, important issues within businesses, schools and communities e.g:

Staff-Team Difficulties; Stress; Motivation; Hearsay; Bullying; Abuse; Anger / Violence; Drugs / Alcohol; Internet Grooming etc.

TIE usually takes the following form:

1. A rehearsed performance with a poignant theme is staged by actors in front of an audience.

2. A solution-focused discussion is stimulated which highlights audience reactions, feelings and issues raised by the piece of theatre.

3. Positive solution-focused actions are empowered within the audience.

4. A ‘surgery’ follows the event: a place where individuals can go if they have been affected by any of the issues. Sources of further support are provided if necessary.

5. Institutional operations and policies are re-negotiated in the light of the outcomes.

‘One TIE project portrayed a dysfunctional family unit for a school audience. Themes slowly developed. The oldest son (15) was a nasty bully destroying the lives of some of his victims. Then it materialised that he had been physically abused by his step-father who had since left the family. The daughter (14) had her own story. Unbeknown to anyone she had been physically and sexually abused by the same man. She was stuck. Her socially frozen personality reinforced by the fact that she was a young carer for her dissabled brother of 18 and alcoholic mother.

Many issues were discussed: being bullied and bullying; dissabilities; alcoholism; helplessness; finding the voice to speak out; available support; moral and ethical behaviour; duty and blame. A number of young people came forward to the surgery and consequently accessed on-going support.

The school bullying policy was adapted to include support as well as sanctions for bullies; and the school’s child protection policy was updated.’

“Really good! Made me realise what can go on behind closed doors.”