Playing a Part – Drama and Citizenship
Playing a Part – Drama and Citizenship, by Danny Braverman with an introduction by Carrie Supple published by Trentham Books Limited, 2002
Drama is direct and immediate and this book shows how effectively it can be used to support Citizenship Education, by putting students in someone else’s shoes. It provides inspiration and guidance to teachers and youth group leaders for enabling secondary school students and youth groups to develop their skills for democracy: their oracy, non-verbal communication, listening, debating and public speaking.
The book includes the text of One Thursday, a short play developed by the author, and is used as a case study to illustrate ways for students to enhance their understanding of government and engage directly with politicians. There is guidance and information on drama exercises for schools and youth groups, in which students improvise scenes from their own experience, engage in drama games and activities and work in role and an initiative involving school students in local government is described.
Playing a Part is for use in secondary schools and with youth groups and out-of-school activities. Drama and English teachers and teachers of Citizenship will find it a powerful and supportive resource.
Danny Braverman FRSA is Director of Dramatic Changes and was Associate Director (Education and Training) at Theatre Royal Stratford East
Carrie Supple was a Project Director at the Citizenship Foundation.
Playing a Part: drama and citizenship
by: Danny Braverman
Available as an e-book. Please contact Trentham Books Limited here.
‘Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.’ (Eleanor Roosevelt)
