Monologue 1: Looking through the Keyhole: Role Theory in Drama Therapy
Alice in Wonderland Book Cover (Illustrated)
Role Theory in Drama Therapy
In this monologue Alice explores the way she overcame fear and shyness by finding a place to unlock her imagination and discover new aspects of herself. I use Alice as an example to show how Role Theory in drama therapy works. Role Theory says that we are made up of many different roles. Our ability to take on new roles and move in and out of old roles allows us to live in a place of balance. We all have a guide role that helps us keep in balance. In Alice’s case, the guide role was The Cheshire Cat who helped her find her way through challenges and obstacles. Alice shares with us how she works through feelings of being stuck in the role of Just Alice. Her ability to take on new roles and qualities helped Alice to gain confidence and build connection with others.
Alice: I could tell you my adventures, beginning from this morning, but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then. I’m still Alice, but not the same Alice I was before looking into the Keyhole. Alice in Wonderland. Yes, that’s me, you might have heard my story, but what you don’t know is how the story changed me. Before all of it I would never speak like this to anyone. I was painfully shy, spent most days by myself, reading, lost in my thoughts, my sister was my only real companion. You could say I have come out of my shell. I guess I have the Cheshire Cat to thank for that. I am having all kinds of new adventures like playing with my school friends and trying different things like gruyere cheese.
Looking through the Keyhole, I discovered a world of new possibilities. The greatest discovery was that I found new parts of myself. You see, I was always Just Alice. My sister, Matilda, was the special one. She was outgoing, smart, funny, everyone loves Matilda.
The Keyhole showed me that I am The White Rabbit, curious and following my path. I am The Dormouse, quiet, shy and sometimes very tiny. I am the Queen of Hearts, loud, big and hot tempered. I am The Mad Hatter, unpredictable and one-of-a-kind. I am The Caterpillar, changing, growing, becoming. I am The Cheshire Cat, a guide for myself, trusting my intuition. I am so many other characters and not at all plain.
When I have a day where I find myself as tiny as The Dormouse, I am reminded of the Mad Hatter’s words: “The secret, dear Alice, is to surround yourself with people who make your heart smile. It is then, and only then, that you will find the wonderland”. And it’s true! On days when I feel small and insignificant, I look through the Keyhole and see new friends, hope and wonder.
The Caterpillar asked me “Who are you?”I replied, “I hardly know, Sir, just at present—at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have changed several times since then.” “What do you mean by that?” said the Caterpillar, sternly. “Explain yourself!” I couldn’t explain myself because at the time I wasn’t myself. But now I think I know. Who am I? Why, I am the Caterpillar,The Queen of Hearts, The White Rabbit, The DorMouse, The Mad Hatter, The Cheshire Cat and so much more. And most definitely not plain!
Unlock the places that are holding you back from being your authentic self. Keyhole Therapeutic Arts offers a variety of expressive techniques, drama, art, music, movement, creative coaching, and one-on-one care to support you in your journey towards balance and harmony. One of the tools offered is the Keyhole Monologues which serves to show the different ways we use drama therapy to help clients. It serves as a design and reference to how you can use creativity to support and guide yourself or your loved one.
