Beyond Recognition: Treaty, Voice and Dramatic Practice - A Workshop for Senior Drama & Theatre Studies Students and Teachers
The following materials were developed for a professional learning workshop supporting Drama and Theatre Studies teachers in exploring the Victorian Treaty process, the role of the First Peoples’ Assembly, and the independent Treaty Authority. This workshop aims to equip teachers with practical strategies to approach these complex and evolving topics through drama, with a focus on truth-telling, representation, and ethical storytelling.
Acknowledgement of Country
I pay my respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples here today.
I recognise that sovereignty was never ceded and that storytelling, performance, and cultural knowledge have been central to First Nations communities for tens of thousands of years.
Introduction: Why Treaty in the Drama Classroom?
Introduction
The Victorian Treaty process represents a historic shift in how First Nations peoples and the state engage in dialogue, decision-making, and justice.
The Treaty Authority is an independent body that acts as an “umpire” in Treaty negotiations. It is not controlled by the government, ensuring fairness and cultural integrity.
It is led by respected First Nations leaders and grounded in Lore, culture, and community authority.
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria has been recognised as the representative body to negotiate a Statewide Treaty, marking a historic moment in Australian history.
In 2025, Victoria saw the first Treaty legislation granted Royal Assent, establishing long-term structures for truth-telling, accountability, and representation.
Drama classrooms are uniquely positioned to explore these ideas through embodiment, perspective-taking, and storytelling—helping students engage with Treaty not just as policy, but as lived experience, history, and future.
Workshop Structure
The workshop begins with ensemble-building exercises to establish trust, listening, and collaboration. Teachers are then introduced to key concepts: representation, voice, power, negotiation, and truth-telling.
Activity 1: “The Negotiation Space” (Freeze Frames & Power)
Focus: Power, voice, representationIn small groups, participants create freeze frames showing:
Activity 2: Image Theatre – Treaty and Representation
Activity 3: “Independent Voice” – Role & Improvisation
Focus: Understanding the Treaty AuthorityParticipants improvise negotiation scenarios involving:
Two groups in disagreement
One independent mediator (Treaty Authority role)
Reflection centres on fairness, independence, and the challenges of negotiation.
Activity 4: Story, Voice and Future Imagining
Participants devise short performances exploring:Future impacts of Treaty
Missing or silenced voices
Truth-telling through performance
Forms may include monologue, movement, or non-naturalistic ensemble work.
Learning Goals
Explore representation and perspective in performanceUnderstand power, voice, and negotiation
Analyse audience interpretation and context
Apply dramatic conventions to contemporary issues
Engage ethically with First Nations perspectives
Representation across social, cultural, and historical contexts
Use of dramatic conventions to construct meaning
Audience engagement and interpretation
Understanding institutional roles (e.g. Treaty Authority)
Use of appropriate drama and analytical language
Reflection & Evaluation
Focus on discussion and reflectionUse “I noticed…”, “I wondered…”
Emphasise process over performance
Avoid formal grading for this exploration
Final Thoughts
The Treaty process is an ongoing story of dialogue, justice, and recognition. Drama provides a powerful space for students to explore this process, engage with multiple perspectives, and imagine future possibilities grounded in respect and truth.References & Resources
WebsitesFirst Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria https://www.firstpeoplesvic.org
Treaty Authority – https://www.treatyauthority.vic.gov.au
Reconciliation Australia – xhttps://www.reconciliation.org.au
Victorian Government First Peoples – https://www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au
ABC Education – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures – https://education.abc.net.au
Bell-Wykes, K., Forgasz, R. & Hradsky, R. (2020). Teaching First Nations Content and Concepts in the Drama Classroom. Drama Victoria & Monash University.
Bell-Wykes, K. & Monash University (2020). Teaching for Reconciliation in your Classroom.
Uluru Statement from the Heart (2017)
Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission Reports
Eckersley, M. (2012). Australian Indigenous Drama. Tasman Press.
Boal, A. (1979). Theatre of the Oppressed. Pluto Press.
Harrison, J. (2011). Contemporary Indigenous Theatre. Currency Press.
Davis, J. (1988). No Sugar. Currency Press.
Bangarra Dance Theatre – https://www.bangarra.com.au
ILBIJERRI Theatre Company – https://www.ilbijerri.com.au
Treaty Authority – Overview videos (available on official website)
First Peoples’ Assembly media releases and explainers
Uluru Statement from the Heart – explainer videos (YouTube)
NITV & SBS Indigenous programming
Theatre of the Oppressed workshops and demonstrations (YouTube)
Drama Victoria – https://www.dramavictoria.vic.edu.au
Creative Spirits – https://www.creativespirits.info
Songlines education resources – https://teachik.com/songlines/
