Applied theatre for military personnel in recovery: creativity, agency, and re-imagining the self

Abstract

ABSTRACT Self@arts is a performing arts programme delivered to Australian Defence Force personnel undergoing rehabilitation for physical and/or psychological injuries. In contrast to the cognitive emphasis within the dominant therapeutic arts model, self@arts provides participants with agency for re-narrating the self through a transformative, ritual experience of creativity. This is achieved by drawing on the body and voice pedagogies of Jacques Lecoq and Cicely Berry. The benefits of this approach are illustrated via semi-structured interviews and creative works produced in the programme, which suggest that the participants achieved heightened psychophysical experiences and consequently improved confidence, well-being, and a sense of self.