An Introduction to Self Revelatory Theatre Performance

The method and term “self-revelatory performance” was coined by Dr. Renee Emunah, director of the Drama Therapy Department at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), in San Francisco, California. She writes in her book, Acting for Real (1994: 225), that in the self- revelatory scene or performance, “The issue must be current so that there is an immediacy to this transformation; this immediacy is theatrically compelling and at times riveting.” Jill Eickmann, a graduate drama therapy student of Renee’s and experienced self revelatory theatre performance director and improvisation teacher, brings an experiential introduction into this powerful and transformative art form. Students will have an opportunity to explore current psychological material through theatrical exercises grounded in playback theatre, drama therapy, psychodrama, and improvisation. This workshop is particularly useful for expressive arts therapists, solo theatre performers/directors, and anyone looking for personal and societal transformation through the power of theatre.