Psychosocial interventions

Since 2006, Zoukak has led a wide number of psychosocial interventions based on its drama therapy approach, targeting various groups of populations in marginalized contexts such as:

• Women, youths and children subject to domestic violence
• Incarcerated youths and shelters residents
• Children and youths with multiple disabilities
• Foreign domestic workers
• Migrants and refugees
• Populations affected by wars and conflicts

These interventions relied on collaborations with local and international organizations.

Zoukak’s psychosocial strategy, methodology and tools were developed in response to the needs of the communities targeted by these interventions. These needs evolved around strengthening the wellbeing and self-esteem of the participants, and providing a free space of dialogue, expression and enjoyment through theatre.

Today, the various interventions Zoukak offers are:

Drama-therapy workshops

Zoukak’s drama therapy approach is based on the synergy of two distinct schools: experimental theatre and clinical psychology. Drama-therapy workshops use drama and theatre processes to achieve therapeutic goals. They initiate the participants to the concept of theatrical improvisation and strengthen their relationship to their imagination. Through these improvisations, they invite the participants to process their problematics and traumas, as well as their desires and fears, in the present moment.  Drama therapy workshops provide a context for the participants to experience a sense of belonging to a cohesive group while sharing similar body-mind explorations, revealing intimate vulnerabilities and discovering new unexplored possibilities of strength. These workshops generally conclude with a theatrical representation. The aim of these performances is to give an opportunity to the participants to present and reveal the relevant conflicts that they are confronting in their daily lives, in front of their community. In that sense, within a drama therapy context, the performance represents a closure ritual of the workshop.

Psychosocial interventions based on artistic mediation techniques 

These interventions can rely on various artistic mediation techniques such as the creation and use of puppets, group creative writing, group story-building, group story writing & drawing etc. They aim at promoting the psychological well-being of individuals, regardless of age, family background, ethnic group or origin. It is especially useful for those who are confronted with difficult circumstances, both chronically and during a specific crisis. The intervention is designed to empower individuals and develop their personal and collective resources. Such intervention leads the participants to work on developing their relation to themselves and to the group, reinforcing self-esteem and confidence while fostering empathy through the group dynamics. This helps in dealing with personal conflicts and develops social behaviour, personal expression, imagination, and communication skills. 

Theatre for development workshops

These Theatre for Development workshops (TfD) use theatre as a tool for development, proposing theatre as a meeting point and a shared space where a common reflection on relevant issues is possible through practice. TfD aims for social cohesion by fostering the balance between individuals and their community, encouraging them to voice their concerns in a safe space. The exercises proposed aim to empower individuals and develop their personal and collective resources, strengthening their respective abilities to cope with life. Additionally, the participants gain skills, as would amateur performers aspiring to be professional theatre makers. These interventions, which often target youths from a certain community, can aim to be a stepping-stone for them, hopefully leading them to further development in theatre professionally.

Training of Theatre Practitioners in psychosocial intervention techniques (TTP)

These trainings of practitioners aim to develop the practitioners' tools in psychosocial artistic mediation techniques. They target individuals with experiences in theatre, social workers, activity leaders working with children and youths, professionals in the fields of education or therapy, and individuals with high motivation and leadership skills. The trainings are built on the direct experimentation of the technique, and combine practical and theoretical acquisition of all its facets, including case studies. They can be followed by close coaching and follow-up on the field.