In this workshop facilitated at the New York University Forum on Ethnodrama, participants devised an original ethnodrama about their own lives: an autoethnodrama. We surveyed a few ways to begin a reflective and creative process through structured storytelling, journaling, and physical improvisation exercises. This workshop was based on a sequence originally presented by Johnny Saldaña, but elaborated on it by integrating techniques drawn from drama therapy and other self-revelatory theatre traditions. By the end of the workshop, participants were able to create and perform a short composition while gaining a better understanding of the significance and effect of ethnodrama aesthetics. We also highlighted some best practices for the development and performance of autoethnodramas within a variety of different contexts.
