Pliable and Playable

Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse [CSA] in India is a widespread phenomenon. Research on CSA in newlineIndia thus far has largely focused on establishing prevalence. There is a paucity of research newlinein the area of CSA dynamics, correlated factors, impact and interventions in the Indian newlinecontext. Interventions research in India is particularly meagre, which deeply limits our newlineability to effectively prevent CSA and therapeutically support those who have been abused newlineas children. This study addresses this gap. newlineThis is a qualitative practice- research study on drama therapy [DT] group work with adult newlinewomen who are working through residual aspects of their childhood sexual experiences. The newlinestudy is located within a feminist theoretical framework and also draws on theoretical newlineconceptualizations from DT, theatre of the oppressed and narrative approaches. In DT, newlinetheatre methods and processes are intentionally and systematically used to achieve newlinetherapeutic goals. The objective of the study is to understand if and how CSA found its way newlineinto participants current lives, how that transformed through the DT intervention and newlinetherefore, what aspects of the process was powerful. The study also looked into the ways in newlinewhich my process (as the researcher- facilitator) intersected with that of the participants and newlinethe study. newlineThis study occurred in two phases. The first was a DT group process and the second phase newlinecomprised the creation and performing of a play to a public audience. The study utilized newlinemultiple methods and tools of data collection including in- depth interviews, aesthetic newlinematerial created by participants and myself, notes on the dramatic process, participants and newlinemy reflections and documented audience responses. Data was analysed by conducting newlinethematic analysis using a narrative- discursive approach. In addition, a process of newlineparticipatory arts- based analysis was undertaken to develop a 60- minute theatre piece called newline Positively Shameless . newlineT his study arrived at a nuanced understanding of variations in how.... newline