Ritual Theatre, the Power of Dramatic Ritual in Personal Development Groups and Clinical Practice
Edited by Claire Schrader
Foreword by James Roose-Evans
Published by Jessica Kingsley
Publication date: 15 Dec 2011
Paperback: £22.99 / $39.95
2011, 234mm x 156mm / 9.25in x 6in, 336pp
ISBN: 978-1-84905-138-5, BIC 2: MQTC MMJT VXW
About the Book
Six of the chapters are written by me. The remainder of the chapters are written by Sue Jennings, Steve Mitchell, Roger Grainger, Debra Colkett, Thalia Valeta, Saphira Linden (US), Gary Raucher (US), Sylvia Israel (US), Sheila Rubin (US), Carrie Todd (US), Elizabeth Plummer (US), and Susan Nisenbaum Becker(US)
In the book, I refer to the methodology as myth-a-drama. This was before I shifted to focus exclusively on confidence.
The Sunflower Effect confidence courses I currently offer, draw on this methodology to a greater or lesser degree, depending on what course you are participating in.
For instance, the Breakthrough Plus course is closer to the myth-a-drama model, as it is an intensive process and as a result works with deeper psychological issues.
It is on sale through the Jessica Kingsley website, directly from me at one of my events or from Amazon and their associates.
Who is it for?
The book is aimed as a text book for dramatherapy professionals. It would also be of interest if you are a therapist, counsellor, a theatre professional, theatre lover or theatre student and are intrigued to know more about ritual theatre and how it works.
Or, because are curious about the theory behind what you experience in Sunflower Effect courses and you want to understand more about the work that preceded and shaped the evolution of the Sunflower Effect.
Reviews for Ritual Theatre
‘Claire Schrader’s new book on the healing aspects of ritual theatre fulfils Joseph Campbell’s vision of a remythologized world, one in which we would be, as he loved to quote Cezanne, more “in accord with nature.” This book is alternately informative, exhilarating, scholarly, and soulful. If widely read, its insights into the psychodynamics of drama will help illuminate the sacred in our personal and collective lives.’
Phil Cousineau, author of The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell on his Life and Work, Wordcatcher, and The Art of Pilgrimage
“The book contains deeply honest, searching accounts by experienced theatre practitioners and dramatherapists about the creative transformation of heartbreaking, emotional darkness into life-giving energy for individuals and groups. It is a moving and very timely resource for professionals and students who care about healing, conflict-resolution, spirituality and development.”
Dr. Alida Gersie, consultant in resilience and loss and author of Storymaking in Bereavement and Reflections on Therapeutic Storymaking
“This book casts light from a variety of angles onto the basic idea, strong in nearly all of us, that theatre has some important connections with healing. Whether they come to it through catharsis, or the anthropology of ritual, or dramatic practice, all the contributors share the belief that it is good for people to enact myths, and that this initiation will open up beneficial self-discoveries.”
Prof. Oliver Taplin, Emeritus Fellow in Classics, Magdalen College, and co-director of the Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama, University of Oxford, UK
Ritual Theatre Book Description
Ritual theatre is a powerful healing system that has been practised since ancient times by early societies and in tribal communities. It has the ability to affect deep transformation in its participants, support growth and development, and resolve personal issues.
This book considers the relevance of ritual theatre in contemporary life and describes how it is being used as a highly cathartic therapeutic process. With contributions from leading experts in the field of dramatherapy, the book brings together a broad spectrum of approaches to ritual theatre as a healing system.
It explores the anthropological and tribal roots of dramatic ritual and proposes that ritual theatre finds its most potent expression in personal development work. The practical application of ritual theatre in various clinical settings is discussed, and the final chapters explore the possibilities of ritual theatre as performance.
Interviews with Claire about the book
Two interviews by Rasheed Ogunlaru
Claire Schrader, author of Ritual Theatre and drama therapist in discussion with leading life coach/speaker, Rasheed Ogunlaru. Rasheed’s career in singing and media led him into coaching singers, entertainers, entrepreneurs and the public.
The healing power of drama & theatre
The emotional side of actors/performers and how this impacts their lives, is rarely addressed – or not until it’s too late. Claire reveals how acting can be healing or psychologically damaging.
Useful Links
Read the blog post about the book:
Ritual Theatre Book – blog post
Ritual Theatre Blog
Subscribe to the ritual theatre blog dedicated to the book providing more information on all aspects of ritual theatre:
Ritual Theatre Blog