[3-day Short Course] Using Applied Theatre Techniques in Group Work Practice
About the Course
This introductory workshop is designed to equip group work practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to use applied theatre techniques in their practice. In group work practice, applied theatre can be used to enhance communication, build empathy, and support personal development. Some of the methods used in this workshop include Image Theatre and Forum Theatre, which are Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed techniques that have been used in several communities internationally. Through didactic discussions and experiential exercises, this workshop will enable practitioners to experience the effects of these theatre games and techniques and learn how to apply them within their own work settings.
All images courtesy of Mr David Puvan
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles and practices of applied theatre and its potential applications in group work practice.
- Explore the use of established theatre techniques for emotional expression, building trust, and examination of relationships.
- Experience the transformative effects of applied theatre techniques and reflect on how it can be applied to their own group work settings.
- Understand the ethical considerations and challenges involved in using applied theatre techniques in their practice.
- Reflect on their own values as group workers and how it may impact the use of these theatre techniques in their practice.
Who Should Attend?
Social Workers and helping professionals dedicated to working with young adults (youths and adults) in group work settings.
How to Register?
Registration is now closed.
About the Instructor
Mr David Puvan
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Social Work
Founder, Developing Place
David Puvan is currently a Master’s by Research Student in Social Work and a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Social Work department at NUS. Having a keen passion to explore the role of applied theatre within social work, David completed his Forum Theatre joker training at the Mandala Centre of Change at Seattle in 2017. He has also jokered more than 10 Forum theatre performances, focusing on issues such as elder abuse bystander intervention, migrant worker medical rights and youth racial profiling amongst others.
Mr David Puvan
He has also facilitated applied theatre workshops with several groups across Singapore and Nepal to create community theatre performances, which opened community conversations centred on the issues raised by the groups. In 2023, David founded Developing Place, an applied arts initiative to use the arts to engage vulnerable communities.
During his 4-year stint as a Registered Social Worker at TRANS SAFE Centre, David has also conducted trainings for tertiary schools and partner organisations on the interventions of family violence. He also conducted a Train-the-Trainer session with senior AWARE help-liners to support their junior staff with sighting and intervention of domestic abuse. As part of community outreach, David has also facilitated virtual conversations with partners from various fields to shine light on family violence and its intersections with other issues such as mental health and youth relationships. David has also completed his Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance with the Institute of Adult Learning.
Course Brochure
Get In Touch
For any questions about this course, please email us at swkcpe@nus.edu.sg or call us at 6601 7323