BART, the Black American Role Taxonomy: A culturally expansive approach to role theory and method

Abstract

This article will investigate how performance can identify racialized archetypes, stereotypes and roles located in therapeutic spaces. It will present ways we can utilize these stereotypes to create and expand upon Landy’s role method and role theory to empower Black Americans to claim their identity. This research has been conducted as an autoethnographic study in order to create an open dialogue about racialized roles that surfaced in a therapeutic theatre production and in clinical practice. Issues regarding race are difficult to discuss and present fierce levels of discomfort in clinical spaces. This article highlights the necessity to continue meaningful conversations about race in the field of drama therapy. Further, this work looks to contribute to the development of cross-cultural practices in drama therapy.