Theatre therapy helps young Haitians

Nearly 500 young Haitians have participated in Plan-supported theatre training workshops.

Hundreds of young Haitians have now taken part in our theatre training workshops as a form of stress therapy following the earthquake. Plan Haiti’s Kristie van de Wetering reports.

He came out wearing enormous, pink glasses and funny shorts, intensely trying to read a brochure held inches from his face. The crowd burst into laughter.

Sixteen-year-old Jordon is performing one of many skits at the closing ceremony of the theatre workshop that he has been participating in as part of Plan’s psychosocial program following the earthquake in January.

Managing stress

In partnership with the Center for Psychosocial Education and Training (CEFEPS), nearly 500 young people between the ages of 14 and 17 from Jacmel and Croix-des-Bouquets have participated in theatre training workshops as a form of stress management therapy.

“Reconstruction is about so much more than physical reconstruction.  It is not just about rebuilding houses and schools; it is also about rebuilding people psychologically, socially, and emotionally,” explains Julie Grier, Plan's senior psychosocial manager in Haiti.

Sharing experiences

The workshops help identify emotional reactions to difficult situations and facilitate learning to express them appropriately.

The activities also foster a sense of community among the children by encouraging them to share sensitive experiences and feelings with each other, thereby helping them realise that they are not alone.

Breaking chains of violence

Not only does it help children through the healing process, theatre also serves as a unique vehicle through which to share important messages on child rights, rights of people with special needs, environmental protection and so on.

One of the groups of young actors dealt with a very serious issue that plagues many of their communities:  violence against children and women.  In a sombre skit, the youth used the metaphor of slavery chains (something that most Haitians easily identify with) to demonstrate what domestic violence does to a community.

At the end, the chain is broken by people refusing to accept the practice as a normal part of life.

Travelling troupes

Plan and CEFEPS will continue working with these young people with the goal to form theatre troupes in areas where Plan works, with a focus on earthquake affected areas.

The volunteer troupes will travel throughout these areas, performing message-oriented skits and plays to key audiences.

Find out more about Plan’s recovery work in Haiti.