Drama

Wolf + Water use drama with all the types of user groups we work with as “a rehearsal for life”.

Through role play we can work with people to explore situations that might be a challenge for them in real life – a person with anxiety going into a shop, or an ex-drug user finding himself suddenly being offered narcotics – and in a safe group setting, explore different responses and strategies that they might use to deal with those situations.

Drama gives groups “the time and space” that we don’t always have in real time life to rewind, try out different approaches and responses, building their range of options and choices.

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In a wider context, drama also can allow participants to explore the various roles they play in their lives – a part, a worker, a partner etc – and how these can conflict or co-exist.

As a group process, drama can also be immensely fun! We’re very experienced in working with people who “hate role play” or “can’t act”! It’s very process can build confidence, presentation and communication skills.

Many of our projects over the years have resulted in theatrical performance.

These aren’t just about drama and acting, although obviously that can be a big part it.

Performances also allow us to work with groups through all the art forms we work through: groups might create music and sound, either live or recorded to be the sonic back drop. We might use visual art, projections or film that participants have created as the visual backdrop or set. Groups might be involved in helping create props and costumes. Music and dance might also be part of a performance.

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Performance allows wide possibilities for participation. Sometimes group members might be unable to be on stage themselves – through frailty, disability, or quite simply that they don’t want to. Yet their work and contribution to the wider project that the show is a culmination of can still be celebrated and showcased through the set, film or music.

Performance in itself can provide an impetus and focus to the wider project process. Being on stage in front of an expectant audience is very empowering and confidence building. Our job, with our experience is to show of the talents and skills of our groups to the best of our ability.

This allows audiences to perhaps see the performers in a new light, and allows performers to show their talents and skills.

Sometimes shows are also about “giving voice” to groups in the performance – allowing them to both depict the struggles and challenges they face, as well as the skills and abilities they use to cope.

Whether that is working with young people on a Belfast Estate talking to their local community about how they feel they are perceived, or a group of young people leaving care performing to Social Workers, theatre can raise awareness, understanding and can generate debate.

Wolf + Water have produced many topic performances for conferences and events, both with the groups we work with, and as a company in our own right.

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Movement and Dance

Over the last ten years we have really developed our provision in terms of movement, dance and somatic approaches to working with people. Sometimes, particularly when words “don’t cut the mustard”, finding non verbal and physical approaches to expression can be a really useful tool for people.

This have proved particularly true working with people with mental health challenges, but also with other groups such as the elderly frail and people with learning difficulties.

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Some Examples of Our Drama Work

Many Directions Drama Group

For many years we’ve run series of regular weekly drama sessions with adults with physical and learning disabilities from across North Devon.

Some of our participants have more complex needs, some being non verbal, so sessions are as multi-sensory as possible, utilising all manner of props, costumes, smells and sounds to make the work accessible & enjoyable for all.


FK Exchange Program Inter Cultural awareness programs – Norway, Ethiopia, South Africa, Uganda, Thailand – 2001 – Present

FK is a Norwegian Government project that seeks to promote development and cross cultural understanding through a program of professional exchanges between Norwegians and their counterparts from Africa, South America and South East Asia. Professions represented can include engineers, doctors, environmental and agricultural project workers.

Before their exchange, each group of participants are brought together for a two week briefing on a Preparatory Course. On this Wolf + Water deliver the “Inter Cultural Challenges” training, using drama and other participatory methods with participants to explore the psychological and practical impacts of leaving ones own culture and arriving in another.

The training is both in the psychology of culture shock, but also uses role play to  enable participants practice facing their biggest personal challenges.