4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item Exploring Stigmas and Emotions of Transgender People Using Rasa Theory and Rasaboxes in Drama Therapy(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Keseni, Siphokuhle Cleopathra; Henriques, LeilaThe goal of this study is to explore the emotional experiences of people who identify as transgender. Through Performance Ethnography, I hope to create awareness about how transgender individuals feel and how their experiences are influenced by the stigmas surrounding them. Performance Ethnography is a qualitative data collection method that explores the various facets of performance. It involves combining multiple ethnographic techniques and theoretical frameworks from performance studies (Finesurrey, 2019). I will use semi-structured qualitative interviews, audio recordings, journal writing, observation and performance to collect data. In this performance, I will use the collected data to create the performance. I will be using rasa boxes to move from one emotion to another. The data will be created by Rasa in real-time, and the audience will be able to hear and inspect it as it is presented. My research participants will be transgender individuals aged 20-35 years old.Item Ndim Lo, Masidlale: A critical exploration of the importance of culture and diversity in South African Drama Therapy spaces(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mkhize, MawandeThe Anglo-Saxon word “plega” is the concept of playing which means battle, fight, game, or sport (Weiskopf, 1982). In most cases play is believed to have a biological, cultural, and psychological function that is seen as essential to the development of a person from a young age (Cohen, 1987). The founder of psychoanalysis known as Freud describes play as having an important role in the emotional development in people, development that is seen to take place from their early years of life and throughout their lifespan (Johnson, Christie, & Yawkey, 1987). Johnson (1987) states that in relation to Freud's view that suggests that play has its place that takes place mainly in childhood and is abandoned in adulthood, in the name of one being too old for playing. Evidence shows that playfulness in both children as well as adults plays a role in personality characteristics essentially for mental health, imagination, and creativity (Johnson, et al, 1987). Research has shown (Cohen, 1987) that play is not just activities done for fun, but rather there is more to it, it goes as far as having influence on the growth and development of those who choose to partake in the process of play. People play in different ways, in most cases the environment(s) that they grew up in expose them to the way that they are familiar with or may prefer to engage. For instance, for the Black Indigenous community, indigenous games to many may seem more preferable than other methods of play because of their familiarity. According to Burnett and Hollander (2004) indigenous games are viewed as being recreational and characterized by organized play that follows a certain structure and works in accordance with the rules that those involved agreed on that reflect a socio-cultural dimension of reasoning and behaviour. The term indigenous has a strong connection to cultural and historical context (Burnett & Hollander, 2004: 11). Playing indigenous games has an influence on developing positive character traits from an early age by reinforcing African values such as cooperation, communication, strategy, and problem-solving abilities. In South Africa, there are various people with varying beliefs and cultures, these differences are part of what makes the country unique (Gibson, 2003). I believe that none of these matters more than others, and they are all part of what makes it special. People's stories are affected by these differences (Gibson, 2003), these stories can be told based on how they were raised and 6 | M . M k h i z e how they have experienced life. This study explores the various ways in which Black indigenous people engage with play, and ways in which it can be implemented in South African Drama Therapy spaces. Understanding the various forms and ranges of client experiences is very important in order to develop effective therapeutic skills (Elliot, 2008), this process can also help therapists improve their understanding of their clients.Item The impact of childhood trauma on intimacy: A literature review exploring Drama Therapy techniques for intimacy recovery in adult relationships.(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Magee, Kathryn; Thibedi, Linda (Mdena)This research paper explores how Drama Therapy techniques may be used for intimacy recovery in adult relationships in the context of childhood trauma. The immediate and long term consequences of childhood trauma are multifaceted and vary significantly. However, studies indicate that exposure to trauma during childhood adversely impacts brain development, which may disrupt other developmental processes as well as an individual’s capacity to form and maintain intimate relationships in adulthood. Intimacy is a vital element of relationships in that it provides a framework for communication and connection on various levels. Despite correlations between the two notions, research pertaining to the treatment of trauma with the intention of fostering intimacy is limited. Similarly, in the Drama Therapy field, there is little evidence indicating how the discipline could be adapted with the specific intention of fostering intimacy in relationships. Through an integrative literature review method, research pertaining to the impacts of childhood trauma, how childhood trauma influences intimacy, and predominant trauma treatment approaches and their effects, were explored. This informed an analysis of various Drama Therapy approaches, which may be useful in dealing with childhood trauma and fostering healthy relationships. From the literature examined, Drama Therapy may serve as a versatile tool for emotional regulation, narrative exploration, vulnerability and sharing, and transformation and empowerment, which all have the potential to foster intimacy in relationships