Abstract

Based on a pilot project, this qualitative case study research aims to explore the experience of five incarcerated women discovering their clown character in a context of eight sessions of drama therapy. The analysis of the therapeutic group process was made through Emunah's Integrative Five Model and the experience of each participant was analysed though the theory of embodiment, projection, and dramatic roles developed by drama therapists Jones and Jennings. The results revealed that the discovery of one's own clown character helped the women to distance themselves from the difficulties of their life in prison through laughter and humour. The women found a space of freedom in the sessions, where they could re-discover the pleasure of playing; playing with their body, playing with the authority, playing with issues that they had never played with before. The clown allowed them to reconnect to their inner child. The results also demonstrated that each participant, though the drama therapy sessions, created a unique clown coming from their own psyche. The sessions allowed them to bring forth unconscious elements to their consciousness and show their authenticity through their vulnerability. The author concluded that the clown character is a wonderful tool to help people to better accept themselves and to tolerate the contradictions of human beings. The clown should be prescribed in high doses and in more difficult settings like the prison setting.