The development and cultural translation of a brief theatre-based programme for the promotion of bystander engagement and violence prevention

Abstract

This article focuses on a theatre-based intervention for the promotion and protection of health and well-being, an area of applied arts that is increasingly seeing more interest. You the Man (YTM) is an American theatre-based programme for bystander engagement and violence prevention. It is a brief intervention, consisting of a 30–35 minute play about dating violence and sexual assault plus a post-performance panel discussion. The script of the play remains unchanged from performance to performance, but the format of the post-performance discussion is tailored to the local setting, circumstances, and other violence prevention activities happening locally. Panel members present for this discussion are drawn from local support agencies, and the discussion serves to introduce people to the local resources that are available. This article describes the original process of development and application of YTM in the United States, followed by the process undertaken to produce an Australian version of the programme; the term cultural translation is used to describe this process.

Using a theatre-based programme to prevent gender-based violence: evidence from Australia

“…The programme has been carefully constructed in collaboration with a wide range of people working in the field ‘to ensure that the program: serves the survivors/victims of sexual assault and domestic violence; strengthens each community in which it is delivered; gives good information without replicating oppression; [and] transcends stereotypes’ [( Plourde et al , 2014 ), p. 378]. In particular, the play seeks to avoid victim blaming and instead proposes that addressing violence and abuse is a shared responsibility, including bystanders ( Plourde et al , 2014 ). The YTM programme is grounded by Freirean pedagogy ( Freire, 1993 ) and Theatre of the Oppressed principles ( Boal, 1997 ), with the aim of the event being to galvanize stakeholders and leave the community in stronger position.…”

“…YTM is designed for delivery to mixed or single gender groups of participants and makes the assumption that those in the audience have the capacity for empathy and that, like the various characters in the play would want to do what is possible to prevent violence from occurring. Full scripts for both the American and Australian versions are available ( Plourde, 2018 ) as well as details of the plot summary and characters ( Plourde et al , 2014 , 2016 ).…”

“…The fixed script of YTM ensures the portrayal of men as bystanders is not derailed by audience members seeking to change the narrative through debates with the actor while the play is being performed. Control of the script is also necessary as along with the presence of the panel for the subsequent discussion, this creates a level of safety for the audience, which may include victims and survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault ( Plourde et al , 2014 ).…”

“…During the development phase, the play’s author was encouraged to use male voices in order to engage with young males, who often failed to engage with violence prevention messages, which were typically presented by females. It is also important for females to see that violence against women is not something their gender has to tackle on its own ( Plourde et al , 2014 ).…”

Exploring the impact on the health and well-being of young adults’ participation in ‘The Club’

“…Theatre-based interventions for the promotion and protection of health and well-being is an area of applied arts that is increasingly seeing more interest (Plourde et al 2014).…”