Applied Theatre in Paediatrics: Stories, Children and Synergies of Emotions

This book explores applied theatre practice for children in healthcare settings and how it can normalize their hospital experience, improve care quality, and enhance their well-being. It offers ten unique stories inspired by applied theatre in various pediatric specialties, showcasing the power of the arts to understand and manage children's pain. The book also addresses the emotional labor of artists in healthcare and provides recommendations for balanced training to prevent emotional exhaustion. Designed for artists, healthcare professionals, therapists, play specialists, and teachers working with children in healthcare, the book aims to help make a positive difference in the lives of sick children.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the realm of applied theatre practice for children in the context of illness and cure, offering a profound exploration of its potential to normalize the hospitalization experience for children. As an indispensable tool, it empowers children to make sense of their illness, contextualize it within a fictional framework, and gain greater control over their clinical experiences. Moreover, it holds the key to elevating the standards of care and enhancing the quality of life during illness.

Drawing from the author's extensive research and participatory bedside theatre practices in hospitals before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, this book showcases groundbreaking insights into aesthetics, ethics, emotions, stories, puppetry, digital arts, and research methodologies related to children's health and well-being. It presents a captivating collection of ten unique stories, inspired by applied theatre practices in various pediatric, cardiac, oncology, neurosurgery, burn units, and complex and intensive care wards. These stories serve as powerful vehicles for understanding the language of children's pain, facilitating better assessment and management of pain by healthcare professionals through the arts.

Furthermore, this book delves into the synergistic interplay between challenging realities and safe fictionalities, analyzing how theatre performance can stitch together diverse perspectives and create a harmonious space for healing. By enabling artists to develop new ways of thinking and contributing to ongoing improvements in education and reflective learning within the field, this book holds immense value for artists, healthcare professionals, therapists, play specialists, and teachers who work with children in healthcare settings.

With a primary focus on artists, healthcare professionals, therapists, play specialists, and teachers, this text endeavors to provide a wealth of creative solutions for making a positive impact on the lives of sick children. It serves as a valuable resource for those who have a deep affection and concern for children, offering insights and inspiration for fostering healing, comfort, and well-being during their illness journey.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367483265