1st edition: November 2008

In a world where everything is overturned or refuted or transformed, in a world of perpetual movement and evolution, people face a serious challenge: making the transition from spectators to creative active beings with dreams and goals. Multiculturalism is the skill and life view that allows a person to know themselves as well as the other, and to understand him or her, respect their differences, accept them as an equal, communicate with them and cooperate towards a common end. Drama in education is the new methodology that can help conquer multiculturalism in the school as well as in any space where a group is active. It has the power to negotiate, review, and shape identities, change stereotypes and viewpoints, overcome prejudices and beliefs so that today’s children—and tomorrow’s adults—can work together constructively and creatively in a different, better world.

This book focuses on developing multiculturalism through the use of dramatic art in education. It examines types of theater used in drama and teaching, especially how they can promote multiculturalism through the community of the school. It also looks at the progressive positions taken by the noted pedagogue Paulo Freire as well as other important creators, suggests programs but also relates experiences from the use of drama in teaching around the world. The references to the techniques and “keys” to the method, instructions, guidelines, and proposals for organizing similar activities with broad participation reinforce the theme. Finally, studies and programs already implemented in multicultural education in Greece with different population groups show that the dramatic arts in education can become a world that changes ours.