Oldal 122 [122]
CHAPTER THREE: BRINGING TOGETHER THE ARTISTIC
AND THE EDUCATIONAL PRAXIS
—o
The first chapter of this book analysed the theoretical framework and some
examples of the practical application of LTD. The second chapter discussed
the theoretical background and the practical possibilities of creating
DEs in Edward Bond’s work. This chapter aims to create a framework for
the amalgamation of the two practices that are usually realised in differing
contexts, responding to different expectations and responsibilities. While
drama in education creates the possibility for participants to become engaged
in the making of the dramatic fiction themselves, Bond’s theory and dramatic
devices are developed for those putting his plays on stage. Even though
the environments in which the two approaches are materialised are different,
both of them aim for creating some form of experience based understanding
of personal values through an imaginative, creative engagement.
As I am researching how this specific artistic approach can be combined
with an extremely complex drama education methodology, besides
the possibilities and problems, it is also useful to explore the questions that
this fusion might open up in both fields. I start the investigation by examining
a lesson plan that aims to create a DE and following this I discuss the possible
questions arising from the specific lesson and possible connections between
components of the two fields.
AN EXAMPLE AND THE QUESTIONS IT RAISES
I have referred to David Davis’s seminal book Imagining the Real and analysed
process drama structures from it in chapter one. Besides offering a wide
range of practical examples from his teaching Davis also offers a detailed
description of a full process drama lesson and offers it to be analysed from
a Bondian perspective.““* Davis himself gives thorough explanations to
accompany the structure and quotes feedback from participants in his own
analysis of the lesson. He also invites Chris Cooper, a leading Bond specialist,
to analyse the drama lesson and look at whether key components and concepts
“48 Davis: Imagining the Real, 154.
+ 121 +