বাংলাদেশে নিরাময়ী নাট্যচর্চার গতিপ্রকৃতি : একটি বিশ্লেষণাত্মক সমীক্ষা/ The Trends of Therapeutic Theatre Practice in Bangladesh : An Analytical Study

Abstract

In the context of the contemporary world, the application of theatre in the healing process has emerged as a significant phenomenon, transcending boundaries of mere entertainment to become a vital tool for psychological well-being. While the global practice of therapeutic theatre is well-established, Bangladesh has witnessed a distinct and resilient evolution of this discipline over the last three decades. Through continuous field practice and recent integration into academic discourse, this stream is gradually flourishing in the country. This research aims to investigate the historical progression and practical trends of therapeutic theatre in Bangladesh based on primary sources and document analysis, focusing on the transition from amateur enthusiasm to professional implementation. The study reveals that what began as initial experimental initiatives has evolved into a coherent institutional practice over time. It highlights successful applications of techniques like Psychodrama and Sociodrama in diverse scenarios, ranging from the rehabilitation of drug addicts and support for differently-abled individuals to trauma counseling for victims of the Rana Plaza collapse and the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. Ultimately, the paper argues that these interventions have established therapeutic theatre as an essential, alternative component of the mental health landscape in Bangladesh.