Theatre Therapy in the Work With the Disabled

Abstract

The theatre is a therapeutic method used in the work with the disabled. The main purpose of therapeutic classes is to support the development of the disabled. Owing to a incomprehension of the term theatre therapy, Lech Śliwonik has introduced the term theatre for life. The latter term clearly defines that the theatre with the disabled „should be a way”, should create chances and give opportunities for further development.

In order to answer the questions about the course of classes, what aim instructors and therapeutist have, the best way would be to give a good example. Such a theatre is the Theatrical Workshop at the Workshops of Occupational Therapy „Source” in Lublin. It is a theatre and one of the workshops of the same name. The theatre is conducted by Aneta Stodulska (the instructor and director of the group). The main purpose is to support the development of the disabled. The most important is the person and meeting half way his or her needs and potentialities. Aneta Stodulska has worked out her own method of work. The proper understanding of the term theatre therapy and appropriate aim and method bring about concrete results. The theatre Theatrical Workshop achieves good results both in the therapeutic and theatrical areas. The author quotes accurate results of her work in her master's thesis entitled „The Therapeutic Influence of the Theatre on the Disabled. The Activity of the Theatrical Workshop of the Workshop of Occupational Therapy ”Source„ in Lublin.” It was written under the supervision of Prof. Maria Barbara Styk and defended in June 2002.