176 pages
250mm x 168mm
ISBN-10: 1 85856 241 4
ISBN-13: 978 185856 241 4
July 2002

Drama is direct and immediate and this book shows how effectively it can be used to support Citizenship Education, by putting students in someone else's shoes. It provides inspiration and guidance to teachers and youth group leaders for enabling secondary school students and youth groups to develop their skills for democracy: their oracy, non-verbal communication, listening, debating and public speaking.

The book includes the text of One Thursday, a short play developed by the author, and is used as a case study to illustrate ways for students to enhance their understandings of government and engage directly with politicians. There is guidance and information on drama excercises for schools and youth groups, in which students improvise scenes from their own experience, engage in drama games and activities and work in role and an initiative involving school students in local government is described.

Playing a Part is for use in secondary schools and with youth groups and out-of-school activities. Drama and English teachers and teachers of Citizenship will find it a powerful and supportive resource.

Danny Braverman is Director of Dramatic Changes and Associate Director (Education and Training), Theatre Royal in Stratford East, London.