The Geese Theatre Handbook

DRAMA WITH OFFENDERS AND PEOPLE AT RISK
Edited by Clark Baim, Sally Brookes and Alun Mountford

The Geese Theatre Handbook explains the thinking behind our approach to applied drama with offenders and people at risk of offending, including young people. It also contains over 100 exercises with explanations, instructions and suggestions to help practitioners develop their own style and approach. The materials can be readily adapted to other settings including conflict resolution, restorative justice and interpersonal skills training. The handbook is a key resource for:

Offending behaviour groupworkers

...and people training or studying in these and related fields.

Contributors:

Clark Baim, Sally Brookes, Irene Brown, Vivienne Cole, Hilary Dawson, Mark Farrall, Camilla Gibbs, Louise Heywood, Wendy Meakes, Stephen Morris, Alun Mountford, Juliet Raynsford, Mark Robinson, Jeremy Thomas,
Andrew Watson

Published: March 2002

ISBN: 1 872 870 67 8

Cost: £25.00 +post and packaging.

To purchase direct from Geese Theatre Company please click on the button below (UK purchases only):

CD-ROM

The CD-ROM is a game aimed at male offenders who are in prison, young offender institutions, or on probation. It is the creation of Geese Theatre Company and Jubilee Arts. The CD-ROM was developed as a result of an IBM Community Connections Award and in October 1998 it was awarded a BAFTA interactive award for learning.

The game is based on Geese Theatre's live theatre production of Lifting the Weight which was devised in the United States by John Bergman and the original Geese Theater Company. Geese Theatre Company (UK) has been touring the production since 1987. The show deals with the problems facing two offenders on release from prison and it is an interactive piece in which the audience is asked for advice for the offenders. This advice, and its consequences, are then played out on stage.

The CD-ROM of Lifting the Weight gives players the challenge of making difficult decisions at "choice points" within several real-life scenarios. The players also have the opportunity to re-play scenarios to look at the consequences of making a different choice. Its interactive quality is designed to encourage players to experience some of the thoughts and feelings that may lead to negative or destructive behaviours.

The CD-ROM can be obtained in conjunction with other work with Geese Theatre Company - either performances, workshops or staff training or it can be purchased separately. If you would like to know more about the CD-ROM then please contact Geese Theatre directly on 0121 446 4370.

Jubilee Arts is an independent community arts, media and communications company, using a wide range of traditional art based activities, in addition to making creative applications of computer technology. Jubilee can be contacted on 0121 553 6862.

Minimum Recommended System specification required to run Lifting the Weight CD ROM: -

Please note: The CD-Rom is no longer sold as it is now not compatible with the majority of computers. If you would still like a copy, please contact the company.

"The book's chapter on role playing is perhaps the most definitive exploration of the variety of applications and settings for the method....This makes the Geese Theatre Handbook, perhaps the best single compendium of experiential activities, warm-ups and such presently available.... In summary I think this is an outstanding book about theatre therapy in working with offenders. Highly recommended."

taken from a review by Adam Blatner, MD, TEP

"Five years in the making the book is an invaluable resource.... this is a key accompaniment for exponents and would be exponents of applied drama in prisons."

taken from a review in Prison Service News

"It is almost impossible to accurately convey the depth and scope of this excellent publication.... if you're involved with offenders or other at risk groups - buy it."

taken from a review by Howard Fay JP in The Magistrate

"This is a generous book. Not only does it explain the thinking behind the company's work, it also provides a treasure-chest of games and exercises for any group setting. I defy any trainer or group facilitator across the social and communication skills spectrum not to find some stunning new off-the-peg idea to lift a jaded session on a wet Thursday."

taken from a review by Julia Braggins in The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies

"It is described by the editors as a practical manual, which it is - an absolute treasure trove for people who work with groups - in mental health, schools, training, social work - wherever."

taken from a review by Kate Kirk in Mental Health Today

"The power and drama to involve and engage our deepest feelings and emotions are clearly seen in this impressive and generous publication. Impressive, because the professionalism of the approach and the complexity of the work shine through in the detailed scenarios and methods described. Generous, because the editors have provided for us all the hard-worked-for experience of years made readily accessible and available for consideration within our professional practice and for our personal learning and insight."

taken from a review by Tim Newell in Prison Governors Newsletter