Mystik and sociodrama at MPP
When theatre becomes a tool for raising awarness
Mystik and sociodrama are dramatized forms of engagement that can be used on various occasions. They can be used as a facilitation tool to start a working day on a specific theme or to round off a day. These are facilitation techniques that allow for the exploration of all possible topics, however abstract, ranging from environemental degradation to solidarity.
For participants, this involves :
– Choosing a theme or an idea that you want that the actors have to reflect on
– Then, within the framework of the mystik, identifying a symbol, a phrase or a song that evokes this idea. The essence of the ‘mystik” lies in the solemnity of the moment devoted to observing the symbolic object or act, and the interpretation that each person can make of it and subsequently discuss. This is slightly different for the “sociodrama”, which refers to short theatrical scenes built around a single subject and are therefore rarely performed in silence.
– Next, the mystic or sociodrama must be presented
– And finally, there is the phase of discussing what the audience has seen
Mystik and sociodrama provide ideal opportunities for participants to address and present the issues that concern them. Both exercises are based on the symbolic expression of a topic and encourage participants to question their understanding and perceptions of that topic.
Once the representation is complete, these exercices open the way for dialogue in which everyone can express their understanding and their view of the issue presented.
Mystik/sociodrama can also be used as an animation tool when working with peasant collectives. But then, it is up to the facilitator, alone and/or with the participation of the members of the group, to prepare and present it.
You can find the full methodology for sociodrama and mystik at the MPP in the downloadable sheet below or in the right-hand column :
