Emergency Assistance Trauma and Post-Trauma Treatment through Theater and Drama
Curtain Call – Theater, Community, Society was founded in 2012 to empower individuals and communities and strengthen social resilience in Israel through community-based theater.
Curtain Call works with all walks of Israel’s diverse society, giving a voice, a stage, and a constructive outlet for self-expression to those who might not otherwise be heard, breaking down social barriers, bridging community gaps, and overcoming personal challenges.
As of the writing of these lines, 1,140 women and men are participating in one of the 70 groups operated by Curtain Call in over 30 communities throughout Israel.
Today, during times of war, we continue to care for vulnerable communities severely impacted by the war, facing trauma, loss, and anxiety. We have identified the need for a unique program that will cater to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, at-risk youth, people with disabilities, and evacuated families.
The therapy, which incorporates theater and drama practices, enables the healing process:
Catharsis and Emotional Release:
The ability to use improve role-playing and enacting scenes allows the expression and release of pent-up emotions. We ensure the ability to work through the trauma and release these emotions in a supportive and safe environment.
Empowerment and Control:
Using role-playing games for trauma survivors strengthens their resilience and helps them regain control of their lives, narratives, and identities. Control they can’t find anywhere else. The process leads to a reinterpreted understanding of past experiences, giving them new meaning and understanding going forward. Encouragement play and these methods lead to recovery, rehabilitation, and positive change in self-perception.
Belonging and Community:
Sharing the stage with others strengthens the sense of belonging, minimizing the isolation associated with trauma.
Mind-Body Connection:
Play strengthens the connection between the body and mind and promotes holistic healing as well. Physical expression and body movement release tensions and stresses held within. Play demands participants to be present, promoting mindfulness. Focusing on the present helps individuals facing trauma by redirecting their attention from intrusive thoughts about the past.
Each workshop will involve 10-15 participants to allow for intimacy and a secure environment.
Each meeting will last approximately 2.5 hours.
Two professionals will facilitate each meeting:
A certified trauma therapist.
A theater group facilitator.
The first stage’s goal is to conduct 50 group therapy sessions across Israel in collaboration with local welfare authorities and municipalities. This will help vulnerable communities that do not receive emotional and psychological support from other sources resources.
