Stage (psychodrama)

The stage in psychodrama , a classic form of psychotherapy , represents an important component of the psychotherapeutic space of action . It is that structured, clearly defined space that is made available to the protagonist of the psychodramatic game so that he can freely develop his concerns .

In its original form, the stage of the psychodrama, the development of which was significantly influenced by the culture of impromptu theater in Vienna in the early 20th century, is based on a theater stage. It must provide the people involved with the required freedom of movement and action as well as space to accommodate props (or other objects). It should be changeable and allow different lighting. It must be separated from the auditorium and allow the protagonist to develop his scene without interference.

If these prerequisites are given, the stage of the psychodrama can be anywhere: garage, kitchen, open field and more. The example of the “free field” may be astonishing, but what is generally expressed with the stage as a metaphor also applies here: the protagonist is expressly given his space. It is he who represents his wishes, fantasies, problems. The audience step back - and do so in the literal sense. He is not left alone, but gets his performance. It will allow him in the here and now existing space to be and not to be just, but also to act . The constrictions and restrictions that determined and determine his life story can be staged in order to experience at the same time that freedom of action and freedom of movement are possible, even if initially possibly in the sense of a non-obligatory trial action. In any case, he succeeds in getting out of himself and increasingly giving space to his own creativity and spontaneity - which has already gained a lot: According to Moreno, creativity, spontaneity and empathy are the determining factors of mental health .

A second essential aspect, however, is to be seen in the fact that psychodrama - see Moreno's early theater experiments - overcomes the distance between stage and auditorium . The protagonist probably determines his game; he - or the game master , if he considers it helpful - can however bring individual, several or all spectators onto the stage in order to involve them in the game as players in mostly special roles , i.e. important functions. Thus, the audience also has the opportunity to appear on stage, which also allows them to perceive their own typical role behavior in a special situation.