Drama in youth work : Maltese youth, drama and theatre culture

Abstract

Throughout this work I have drawn extensively on my first-hand experiences, gathered over twelve years of involvement in all aspects and types of theatre. I have also utilized information obtained from informal talks with informed persons, and a questionnaire which was answered by second and third year students of the Institute of Youth Studies, University of Malta. This study aims at analysing whether the use of drama and theatre can contribute to the personal and social development of youth, and whether training in their use in youth work is being provided by the Institute of Youth Studies in its programme of studies. Furthermore, an analysis of whether such training is needed and, if so, of the form it should take, are also provided. In the first part of this work, various aspects of drama and theatre, as instruments for personal and social development, are explored. This is followed by information about the use of drama games in youth work, and the practice of stage-craft. An analysis of the responses to the questionnaire investigates if any training is being currently given in the use of drama and theatre in youth work, and suggests the possible introduction of a unit entitled 'Development through Drama for Youth' within the programme of studies of the Institute of Youth Studies, University of Malta. The proposed unit should prove of vital importance to prospective youth workers, as it will provide them with a set of ideas for use in their work towards the development of the personal and social skills of Maltese Youth.