PSYCHO-OPERA: A NEW CONCEPT COMBINING OPERA AND PSYCHODRAMA

Abstract

This paper is being written to describe to music therapists, psychodramatists and those in related fields a newly developed technique called psychoopera, which we believe has a place in psychotherapy. In this paper we will describe how psycho-opera emerged, its theoretical rationale, how it can be used and what value it has in the psychotherapeutic repertoire.
Psycho-opera, which is based on the concept of psychodrama, employs singing as a means of communication rather than speech. As a therapeutic modality it may be used as an experience in and of itself or as an adjunct to other therapies. It is unique in that it focuses on the lighter side of life and stresses having a good time in a group. Humor is present in some form in every psycho-opera.