The Use of Forum Theatre as Therapy with At-risk Immigrant and Refugee Youth

Abstract

How a youth experiences acculturation shapes the ability of immigrant and refugee youth to feel safe, included, and hopeful about their future. The purpose of this study is to deepen social workers’ understanding about integrating forum theatre as therapy with at-risk immigrant and refugee youth by exploring insights that arose from youths’ participation in forum theatre. To gain this understanding, this study was completed using the generic qualitative approach, interviewing six Calgary respondents about their time settling in Canada and about their participation in forum theatre. Findings suggest that forum theatre could be a useful intervention to generate dialogue and inspire personal or social change. Directions for future research include exploring gender constructions through forum theatre or investigating forum theatre as therapy within a social work setting or practice.