Abstract

This study is motivated by a need in the field of dramatherapy to investigate other approaches that use theater in a therapeutic context. It aims to increase the current body of knowledge by expanding the understanding of dramatherapy's position in mental health within an intercultural perspective. Specifically, this theoretical research compares dramatherapy to therapeutic kotéba originating from Mali. The comparison looks at the phases of the dramatic therapeutic process of the two interventions. In order to complete this study, a phenomenological investigation first took place to define the structure of the dramatic therapeutic process of therapeutic kotéba. This had not previously been defined. Once the phases were identified, they were compared with those found in dramatherapy using dramatherapist Phil Jones' descriptions in his book Drama as therapy: theater as healing (1996). Comparison results draw parallels and contrasts between the two interventions. The conclusion addresses the implications of the findings for the field of dramatherapy and engages a reflection on the use of theatre as therapy in intercultural mental health settings.