oa Editorial

Titled ‘Diasporas in Dramatherapy’, this Special Issue of the Dramatherapy journal is rooted in the Oxford Dictionary definition of diaspora, ‘any group of people who have spread or become dispersed beyond their traditional homeland or point of origin’, and how this manifest in the context of dramatherapy practice (Oxford English Dictionary 1985). This culmination of works depicts diasporas in dramatherapy in a variety mediums, varying in their mode of delivery, poetry, digital artwork, research articles, book reviews and an interview. This topic explores complex identities that exist beyond the binary of belonging, not belonging, encompassing the amalgamation of personhood and self-identification. Although this is a growing area of literature, exploring the intersections of identity in dramatherapy based research dedicated to diaspora is limited. This collection of research focuses on the recognition of origin, identity and community. This body of work serves as a new entry point to discuss the prevalent themes and issues, the come from discussing diaspora. Adding to the wider literature of an often-politicized identity through a therapeutic lens provides another way to engage and in discussion and understanding in this field. This rich topic seeks to evidence both dramatherapy practise and the marginalised inhabitants of those a part of diasporas, to conceptualize the practicalities and realities of diasporas and their relationships with dramatherapy, psychotherapy and the creativity in between.