I am Malala - a process drama approach to address gender-based violence in classrooms

Αθήνα, 21/03/2025, εργαστήριο για εκπαιδευτικούς, Adam Cziboly

I am Malala - a process drama approach to address gender-based violence in classrooms

Adam Cziboly

associate professor Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway

WORKSHOP

At Athens 2025 International Conference "Theatre/Drama & Inclusive Education"

21 of March 2025

Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network (TENet-Gr)

Language: English
Limited number of participants

Short description

This process drama workshop explores the story of Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan, a powerful example of resistance to gender-based violence with global significance. She has had special connections to Norway, having received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, at the age of 17. She remains the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate by receiving the award at an age similar to that of the target audience for this drama lesson (secondary school pupils).

Aim: To investigate the following central questions: How could a young girl change the world? How does society and culture influence the life of young people? Do young people have a choice – can they change society to any extent? How?

Theoretical background: The lesson plan was developed in the framework of the ANTIGONE project (www.antigone-project.eu), a transnational project which is co-funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ programme (KA2 - Strategic Partnerships for Innovation in the School Sector). The project was coordinated by DAH Theatre from Serbia, and is the result of the cooperation between partners from seven countries (Serbia, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Sweden, Norway and Bulgaria).

Methodology of the intervention: Process drama or Drama in Education (DiE), as e.g. Heathcote, Bolton, Neelands, O’Neill or Davis would use this term.

Evidence of innovation: This process drama intends to investigate an otherwise sensitive issue through a story and roles, in a safe way where distance creates protection.

Expected learning outcomes: Participants will experience how this process drama works, and understand the choices made when planning it. Based on the description of the drama, they will be able to lead it themselves.

Target audience: any conference participants. The process drama is designed for 12-18 years old youngsters.

Participation requirements: No previous knowledge or training required.

Note that the workshop includes exercises with possible physical contact, and explores a topic that might be sensitive for some participants – although in a safe and protected way.

Ádám Cziboly is an associate professor in drama and applied theatre at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL). He has led numerous international research and development projects in the field of drama/theatre in education. He initiated and directed the DICE research project involving twelve countries, which was the first in-depth study on the impact of drama and theatre in education methods on key competences for lifelong learning. He also served as the lead author of two key Hungarian handbooks on theatre in education and theatre pedagogy.