Puppetry for building bridges: Psychosocial intervention in emergency settings in the Middle East

By Karim Dakroub

  • Affiliations: Khayal Association for Arts and Education, Lebanon

  • Source: Applied Theatre Research, Volume 8, Issue 1, Jul 2020, p. 57 - 71

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1386/atr_00026_1

  • Language: English

  • Published online: 01 Jul 2020

This article describes the application of puppetry to psychosocial support during the Syrian crisis since 2011. After many years of using applied puppetry with vulnerable populations, such as refugees and victims of military actions, the author developed a structured model of intervention, as well as a training programme on puppetry, as a medium of expression and communication for activists (social workers, psychologists, artists), allowing them to work with refugees and displaced people. This model is based on a psychosocial approach aimed at strengthening the resilience of the final beneficiaries. The article includes a detailed description of the training steps and techniques involved, linking them to concepts and theoretical background.

    1. Boal, A.. ( 1996), Théâtre de l’Opprimé, Paris:: La Découverte;.

    2. Boal, A.. ( 2002), L’Arc-en-ciel du désir. Du théâtre experimental à la thérapie, Paris:: La Découverte;.

    3. Boal, A.. ( 2004), Jeux pour acteurs et non-acteurs, Paris:: La Découverte;.

    4. Duflot, C.. ( 2011), La Marionnette en psychiatrie, Paris:: Editions Marionnette et Thérapie;.

    5. Freud, S.. ( 1919), Totem and Taboo, London:: George Routledge & Sons;.

    6. Ghiglione, A.. ( 2018;), ‘ The role of art-based interventions. ’, in A.de Guttry,, C.Macchi, and G.Schininá. (eds), Psychosocial Support and Dialogue in the Syrian Aran Republic and Lebanon, Geneva:: International Organization for Migration;, pp. 31–76.

    7. Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) ( 2007), IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support on Emergency Settings, Geneva:: IASC;.

    8. International Organization of Migration (IOM) ( 2003), IOM Position Paper on Psychosocial and Mental Well-being of Migrants, Geneva:: IOM;.

    9. Jennings, S.. ( 2009), Creative Storytelling with Children at Risk, London:: Routledge;.

    10. Karpman, S.. ( 1968;), ‘ Fairy tales and script drama analysis. ’, Transactional Analysis Bulletin, 7:26, pp. 39–43.

    11. Losi, N.. ( 2002;), ‘ Some psychological assumptions on psychological trauma interventions in post-conflict communities. ’, in R.Papadopoulos. (ed.), Therapeutic Care for Refugees: No Place Like Home, London:: Karnac;.

    12. Papadopoulos, R.. ( 2001;), ‘ Refugees, therapists and trauma: Systemic reflections. ’, The Magazine of the Association for Family Therapy, 54, pp. 5–8.

    13. Papadopoulos, R.. ( 2014;), ‘ Psychosocial paradigms and consequences: A systemic perspective on working with those affected by conflict. ’, presentation for the Executive Professional Masters on Psychosocial Support and Dialogue in Syria and Lebanon .

    14. Schininá, G.. ( 2004;), ‘ “Far away, so close”: Psychosocial and theatre activities with Serbian refugees. ’, TDR/The Drama Review, 48:3, pp. 32–49.

    15. Stanislavsky, C.. ( 1963), La formation de l’acteur, Paris:: Payot;.

    16. Vernant, J. P.. ( 1990), Figures, Idoles, Masques, Paris:: Juilliard;

    17. Winnicott, D.. ( 2005), Playing and Reality, London:: Routledge;.

    18. Dakroub, Karim. ( 2020;), ‘ Puppetry for building bridges: Psychosocial intervention in emergency settings in the Middle East. ’, Applied Theatre Research, 8:1, pp. 57–71

  • https://doi.org/10.1386/atr_00026_1