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Children's drama : technical and educational approaches to the development of TV and theatre drama in Oman

Alzadjali, Khalid bin Abdul Rahim

Authors

Khalid bin Abdul Rahim Alzadjali



Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore how Omani children's drama, in schools and theatres and T.V. can be developed and enriched to become a useful educational tool for the nation's development, while also meeting children's cognitive and emotional needs. In order to do so, the origins and development of Arab and Omani theatre and T.V. are traced, the goals of the Omani development strategy and the expected roles of theatre and T.V. are discussed, and examples of good practice from the Arab world and the West are considered.

The work is qualitative in nature, depending largly on writings on drama, on the researcher's extensive experience in television and theatre production and direction, and on visits to observe children's theatre in the U.K., United States, and Arab Gulf States. In addition, a small survey was carried out among Omani teachers to explore their perceptions of the role and practice of drama in schools, and a seminar was held in which various experts came together to discuss issues in Children's Drama and Theatre and to identify obstacles.

As a practical experiment a play, Titi and Toti, was directed and produced by researcher to demonstrate the feasibility and value of developing theatre for
children in Oman.

It is shown that drama in Oman is in the early stages of development and is dominated by television. Children's theatre as a distinct form hardly exists at all.
Obstacles include lack of resources, inadequate training, and conservative social atitueds [i.e. attitudes] which associate drama with pagan superstition, time-wasting, and alien cultural values. Nevertheless, a few successful experiments suggest that useful Western models such as Theatre in Education can be reconciled with elements of Oman's rich cultural heritage, to produce works for children that are entertaining, informative, and consistent with local values. Recommendations are made for the development of Omani children's theatre and drama in line with the nation's overall cultural strategy.

Citation

Alzadjali, K. B. A. R. (2002). Children's drama : technical and educational approaches to the development of TV and theatre drama in Oman. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4215694

Thesis Type Thesis
Deposit Date Jun 9, 2014
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Keywords Drama
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4215694
Additional Information Department of Drama, The University of Hull
Award Date Sep 1, 2002

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Copyright Statement
© 2002 Alzadjali, Khalid bin Abdul Rahim. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder.




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