BRIDGING ANCIENT RITUAL PERFORMANCE AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIODRAMA:
A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

PRESENTER: LUIGI LAFASCIANO

Sociodrama and power
DATE AND TIME: 29th of June, Saturday 9:00-9:50
CONFERENCE TOPIC: Sociodrama and the development of creative collectives – local and transnational sociodramatic communities and networks
TYPE: Presentation
ROOM:
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 70
TAGS: Creative Collectives, June29 Morning
ABSTRACT:

This presentation highlights the intersection of historical research on ancient performance-oriented healing rituals and the contemporary practices of psychodrama and sociodrama, showcasing the mutual interest shared by historians and therapists.

My work delves into the evolution of ancient therapeutic rituals. One notable example is the practice within the cult of Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. Its rituals centered around therapeutic incubation, or ritual dreaming, where devotees sought divine intervention and healing through dream visions. This ritual’s evolution is intricately linked to theater, as sacred performances in theaters were employed to make divine experiences accessible to worshippers even before they engaged in ritual dreaming. These practices not only nurtured individual imagery but also formed therapeutic communities. Devotees, all seeking divine visions for healing, found themselves restored to meaningful social roles due to their intimate connection with the divine and the invisible realm.

The prospect of engaging in dialogue with therapists and researchers immersed in psychodrama and sociodrama methods holds great promise for mutual enrichment. Historical insights can contribute to innovative approaches in modern therapy, while therapists can offer valuable perspectives to deepen our understanding of ancient therapeutic rituals’ dynamics. This synergy offers the potential for a more profound comprehension of the intricate interplay between performance and therapy across time.

  1. Participants will develop the ability to discern meaningful correlations between ancient performance-based traditions and contemporary psychodrama and sociodrama therapeutic methods.
  2. Participants will enhance their existing skill sets by integrating well-researched insights from the historical utilization of performance as a therapeutic modality.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

I possess a unique background in Archaeology and Religious Anthropology. My research, published in a book and several articles, explores ancient performance-oriented healing rituals and the intricate connection between theatrical and ritual performances in ritually-induced therapeutic dream visions. As the Founder and Director of The Diakron Institute, an international NGO fostering cross-cultural perspectives, I have led multisensory educational programs across Europe. While not directly experienced in psychodrama and sociodrama, I am eager to engage with professionals in the field to enrich my research and educational initiatives.