Abstract:
Globally, young people experience physical, sexual and emotion
abuse within their intimate relationships. There is a need to
explore creative, participatory sexual and relationship education
that provides spaces for critical reflection regarding gender
norms and approaches within intimate relationships. This study
explores an interactive theatre intervention aimed at uncovering
and analysing social and cultural influences affecting experiences
and approaches within intimate relationships among young peo ple in Samoa. Focus groups were conducted with the audience
before and after a public, interactive theatre production. Focus
groups aimed to capture shifts in understandings and percep tions as well as overall experiences related to participating in the
production. Post production, participants showed a deepened of
understandings related to social and cultural factors influencing
approaches and actions within intimate relationships. Participants
engaged in dialogue around new possible approaches to initiat ing and maintaining intimate relationships free from violence.
Embodied learning opportunities appeared to contribute to feel ings of empowerment to try out new responses in everyday life.
Study findings highlight a role for drama in intimate relationship
education and advocate for the inclusion of intersectionality
informed approaches that uncover diversity within a group and
acknowledge interactions between individuals’ social position(s)
within complex social and cultural contexts.
