Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies

Major

Clinical Mental Health Counselling

First Advisor

Angelle Cook

Abstract

Humor has long occupied a complicated place in systems of power, sometimes reinforcing oppressive norms and other times offering a way to push back against them. This thesis explores how the archetype of the jester can be used in drama therapy to help individuals reclaim agency within misogynistic structures. Drawing from role theory, feminist performance studies, and Theatre of the Oppressed, the project examines how jestering, through satire, parody, and play, can act as a vehicle for resistance, healing, and empowerment. A review of existing literature shows that while humor has historically been used to uphold patriarchal norms, it has also been a powerful tool for feminist critique and cultural disruption. Within drama therapy, jestering can help clients confront misogyny, challenge power dynamics, and engage in collective forms of resistance. Techniques such as role reversal, embodied satire, and theatrical activism offer tangible ways for clients to explore and shift the stories they have been told and the roles they have been forced to play. This thesis also acknowledges the risks and limitations of humor-based interventions, especially when considering issues of privilege, social positioning, and safety. Ultimately, the findings suggest that integrating jestering into drama therapy can support clients in transforming experiences of oppression into opportunities for self-expression and liberation. Future research might focus on testing this approach in clinical settings and developing a structured, feminist-informed model for using humor and performance in therapeutic work.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

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