Embodied tableaux: A drama method for social work arts-based research

Due to the increased interest of social workers in arts-based research, there is a need for guidance in how to apply arts-based research methods to social work questions and research. The lack of detailed methodological procedures in the existing literature potentially inhibits social work researchers’ ability to select and implement appropriate arts-based research methods. This article thus provides a step-by-step procedural guide for a drama-based arts-based research method called embodied tableaux. Adapted from Boal’s Image Theatre techniques and tableaux exercises common in drama therapy, this ABR method can serve as a rich source of embodied, aesthetic, imaginal, and relational data suitable for many of the populations and social issues that social work researchers typically focus on. This article also highlights ways to adapt this method for the various stages of the research process and explores important ethical issues. Illustrative examples of the embodied tableaux method are included from a recent study conducted with drama therapists who are employed in schools. Implications and considerations for future research design are included.