Narradrama as a Three-Act Play

Abstract

This qualitative arts-based research aims to provide evidence on the viability of “Narradrama as a Three-Act Play” (NTAP), a group process focusing on the effectiveness of selected interventions as well as on the strength and wisdom gained by participants. NTAP combines narrative therapy and drama therapy as participants explore, develop, and reflect upon preferred roles through a series of exercises in externalization, definitional ceremonies, and witnessing practices. This article builds on earlier research on NTAP with a mostly indigenous group. Lessons learned from the earlier published oral history study were incorporated and applied to the present process of working with a multicultural group of six women aged 32 to 64 years, enrolled in a 7-week workshop. All participants completed the process and the assessment on the viability of NTAP in gaining new insights, wisdom, and strength.