Scratching the Surface: A service evaluation of an applied theatre intervention for female offenders

Over the last three decades, Geese Theatre
Company (hereafter referred to as GT) have been
using applied theatre techniques to promote
positive change in a range of individuals with a
particular focus on offenders. They are accustomed
to tailoring the content and intensity of
programme elements to be responsive to the
needs of specific population types and individuals.
Although drama has been utilised in forensic
settings for many years, GT are known for their
innovative approach which places emphasis on
improvisation and interactivity as a catalyst for
instigating cognitive and behavioural change.
Baim and collegues note that applied theatre
techniques allow for exercises to be tailored to the
individual, and have the further advantages of not
being constrained by the requirement of sufficient
literacy skills and that they allow for realistic skills
rehearsal.