Theatre and Communal Movement as Forms of Trauma Therapy in Gregory Burke’s Black Watch (2007)

Abstract

Abstract This article explores how elements of trauma therapy can be used to interpret the play Black Watch (2007) by Gregory Burke. The introduction provides a summary of Black Watch, as well as an outline of contemporary theories regarding the connection between theatre, war, and trauma therapy. The first part focuses on how the seating arrangements, the choice of actors, and the structure of Black Watch allow the play to create an environment which resembles a therapy session. The second part concentrates on how communal movement, music, and dance are used in the play to express emotions and trauma which could not be put into words. The conclusion investigates how using some of the features of trauma treatment results in Black Watch possessing potential healing properties and insight into the topic of war.