Theorising Transformation in Drama Education

This text delves into the profound ways in which drama reshapes learning, identity and perspective. Drawing on rich research and real-life stories from students and teachers around the world, the book examines the transformative potential of drama education, exploring who is transformed, what is transformed and how transformation occurs.It invites readers to see how drama fosters empathy, critical insight and personal growth, moving beyond the acquisition of skills and knowledge to fundamentally alter how we see ourselves and the world. Blending theory, reflective narratives and practical case studies, the editors weave together the voices of educators and students to illuminate the processes of transformation in drama. The international chapter contributions explore key moments of disruption and surprise, as well as critical incidents that challenge established ways of thinking and create opportunities for identity formation, imaginative renewal and collective growth. Grounded in both academic rigour and the lived realities of classrooms and rehearsal spaces, the book positions drama as a catalyst for reimagining the “stories we live by” and fostering spaces of personal and collective becoming.An essential resource for drama educators at all stages of their journey, from seasoned practitioners to those just beginning their careers, this book speaks to anyone passionate about the arts in education, offering a compelling argument for the role of drama in shaping reflective, compassionate and adaptive learners.