Abstract

The intention of this inquiry is to investigate my subjective experience of identity negotiation during my second year drama therapy practicum. Framed within the personality and social structure perspective, identity negotiation can be defined as the process by which people strive to manage aspects of their identity. Using an arts-based autoethnography performance as the mode of inquiry, I incorporated subjective experience, arts and performance both to produce and present data. An embodied personal narrative is created and the multiple layered meanings of the experience were communicated through a performance of movement narrative coupled with ritual and video arts, which is recorded and attached in DVD format. The performance has awakened the awareness of identity negotiation and feelings associated with it for the performer and the audience. I suggest that the concept of identity negotiation could be used as a reference point for future drama therapy students to reflect on intern experience.* *This dissertation is a compound document (contains both a paper copy and a DVD as part of the dissertation). The DVD requires the following system requirements: Windows MediaPlayer or RealPlayer