The Púca is our newest work. This two-hour workshop for teenagers uses puppetry, masks and forum theatre to teach techniques on how to manage our inner voice more effectively and be a better friend to ourselves.
In Irish folklore ‘Púca’ is a mischievous shape-shifting spirit. In the workshop we depict the Púca as the negative chatter inside our head through puppetry. Puppets can provide a useful distancing tool; by externalising the inner critic as a puppet, we can learn and practice techniques of self-compassion.
We also bring in masks and Forum Theatre. Masks help us tap into archetypes and identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. The interactivity of Forum Theatre encourages problem solving and stimulates the imagination. Participants make choices and take on roles, increasing their sense of options in real life.
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Who is this for?
We are delivering these workshops in secondary schools in Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Hampshire. This workshop is for 11-13 year olds and will particularly benefit KS3 students interested in taking Drama Studies at GCSE. It also fits into the PSHE curriculum for mental health and wellbeing.
In addition to improving mental health outcomes, this is a unique, live and collaborative arts project which will expand cultural awareness and unlock artistic potential.
Interested in finding out more?
If you are a school or youth group that would like to find out more about The Púca workshop, email admin@sabotagetheatre.com or call 07527 890076.
The Púca is funded by Arts Council England and Arts Partnership Surrey.
“Sabotage delivered worskhops to our Year 6 pupils moving to secondary school. In creating complex ideas about their puppets' ideal community and environment, the pupils reflected on places and changes."
- Sea Shucksmith, Inclusion Lead, Westdene Primary School