THE THEATRE OF THE NOW: INSIGHT THROUGH IMPROVISATIONAL DRAMA

Abstract

The Theatre of the Now was a community-oriented project undertaken in Toronto, Ontario over a period of four months during the spring and summer of 1974. Involving eight participants, the project received financial support from the Canadian government and was initially organized to offer a series of dramatic presentations focused upon mental health issues. Drama was to be employed as a medium which would be engaging, entertaining and non-threatening, and which might serve to generate group discussions with
members of audiences. It was hoped that audience participation in these discussions might enhance awareness of personal problems and stimulate interest in the effective utilization of community mental health facilities.