Bibliodrama

 

What is Bibliodrama?

BIBLIODRAMA is the reenactment of biblical stories in small groups of (adult) participants, who are interested in understanding the biblical tradition in non-fundamentalist ways. It is a playful, spiritual, and dramatic approach to biblical stories. Participants identify with and interview biblical characters and interact with each other. In the process, biblical stories come alive.

In BIBLIODRAMATIC processes, the full range of human life experiences is addressed through readings and enactments of biblical stories: crises in families and among siblings; the joys and problems of communication between men and women, friends and foes, God and humans; ancient and contemporary dilemmas, such as justice and injustice, liberation and exile, love and betrayal, birth and death.

BIBLIODRAMA combines the study of texts with the sharing of personal experiences. It is a well-known method in European countries (among others, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland) and is increasingly practiced also in the United States.

Though various differences exist between bibliodrama facilitators, BIBLIODRAMA is mostly understood as a process of guided enactment in which people are active participants. It can include improvisations, meditations, active imagination, role play, conversations, dream work, movement exercises, relaxation, deep readings, and techniques borrowed from the drama therapy.

BIBLIODRAMA workshops are not conducted as a means to convince people of the "truth" of a particular faith. Rather, bibliodrama speaks to those inside and outside the tradition, inside and outside congregational life. It is for Jews, Christians, and nonaffiliated people who are in search of meaning.

BIBLIODRAMA has also branched into new fields such a HAGIODRAMA (the enactment of sacred moments in the history of religions), SUTRADRAMA (enactment of Buddhist stories), or BIBLIOLOG (a more leader-centered, dialogical approach).

Programs, Workshops & Resources

BIBLIODRAMA workshops are offered locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Bjorn Krondorfer offers workshop on bibliodrama, hagiodrama or sutradrama in North America, Europe, and Asia. Write to:

Bibliodrama Workshop
c/o Bjorn Krondorfer
P.O.Box 302
St. Mary's City, MD 20686 / USA

Bibliodrama Workshop offers seminars and workshops for all audiences, within and outside of religious institutions.Call [country code] + (240) 895-4219

For other bibliodrama events, mostly in Europe www.bibliodrama-gesellschaft.de/

Literature

Body and Bible: 
Interpreting and Experiencing Biblical Narratives

Trinity Press International, 1992
Edited by Björn Krondorfer

 

For copies of the book, please contact Bjorn Krondorfer at the address above

Body and Bible offers an introduction to the bibliodramatic process. Contributors are American and European theologians, therapists, scholars of religion, and artists. They are Christian, Jewish, and unaffiliated.

Body and Bible presents an overview of the diversity of ideas, methods and styles related to bibliodramatic approaches, and conveys the excitement people experience when entering biblical narratives through play, reenactment and embodiment. Contributors include, in addition to the editor, Tom F. Driver, Samuel Laeuchli, Walter Wink, Tim Schramm, Alix Pirani, David Rhoads, Arthur Waskow, Evelyn R. Laeuchli, and G. Marcel Martin.

Korean translation of Body and Bible

(Seoul: Chang-Ji Publisher, 2008)

 

 

 

Articles related to Bibliodrama by Bjorn Krondorfer

• 2008. “Bibliodrama in Korea.” Textraum: Bibliodrama Information 15/28 (April):40-47.
• 2008. “Serious Play: Bibliodrama in the Context of Creative Incarnation.” Proceedings of Annual Conference of KAPS (Korean Association of Psychodrama and Sociodrama), Seoul (January):109-120. In same volume: Korean translation by Y. M. Choi (January):121-130.
• 2008. “Bibliodrama: Embodying Biblical Stories.” Proceedings of Annual Conference of KAPS (Korean Association of Psychodrama and Sociodrama), Seoul (January):133-140. In same volume: Korean translation by Sung Hee Cho (January):141-146.
• 2006
  “Mit Gott und unseren Körpern unterwegs: Die christliche Dramatisierung der Körperlichkeit.“ Textraum: Bibliodrama Information 12/25 (November):12-18.
• 2005. “Bibliodrama als kritisches Gegenüber.” Textraum: Bibliodrama Information 13/22 (März):5-6.
  
• 1998. "Sommerobst und Leichen (Amos 8)." Textraum: Dokumentation: The Power of Atmosphere (Sonderheft).
• 1997. "Abraham, Isaac and Co: Bibliodrama as a Participatory Process." In Living Text: Journal of Contemporary Midrash 2 (Winter).
• 1994 (with Robin Bates). "Ritually Enacting the Reading Experience: A Dramatic Way to Teach Literature." English Education 26/4 (December):236-248.

Look also at a comprehensive list of books on Bibliodrama by other authors.