Moreno Videos

Its a "show me, don't tell me" feast !!AANZPA NSW/ACT has available for loan to members, a range of DVDs with historic footage of J.L. Moreno conducting psychodrama sessions and Zerka T. Moreno in action, demonstrating psychodrama and discussing her life and work. Details of each of the DVDs are provided below (descriptions courtesy of psychotherapy.net). They can be borrowed singly or in sets. If you would like to take a look for yourself at this great resource, please contact Lynne Burchmore (phone: 0417 254 728 or email: lynneymac@bigpond.com ).

Moreno Movies

(4 Disc Set)

The Zerka T. Moreno

Psychodrama Series (3 Disc Set)

Disc 2 : Psychodrama of a Marriage (around 1948)

Based on an actual couple treated by Moreno in 1939 in the Therapeutic Theater of Beacon, this movie is a dramatized version of the case, yet includes many variations from the original script. It was intended for an audience of couples and marital therapists, to facilitate a greater understanding of Moreno's theory and techniques, and to stimulate further discussion. This movie still raises fundamental questions today about the process of therapy with couples, the objectives of psychodrama when dealing with marital conflicts, and the role of the director in such situations.

Disc 3 : Psychodrama in Action, 1960's

This movie takes place in a mental hospital in California; it was produced in the 1960's when Moreno was touring the state. Originally made by Moreno and a group of patients, the production was entirely unrehearsed, and was broadcast via closed circuit television to several thousands of patients in the various wards of the hospital! The problem addressed was: "Are these patients ready for discharge?" Moreno used different approaches, especially the future projection technique, to explore this issue. It has the character of a "psychodramatic exit test," sprinkled with astute observations by Dr. Moreno. Zerka Moreno, his wife and collaborator, joins this production playing different auxiliary roles.

Disc 4 : Psychodrama of a Marriage: A Motion Picture

This movie was shot in Paris during the First International Congress of Psychodrama. It was produced by Radio and Television Center of France in September, 1964. The opening scene takes place at the Faculté de Medecine at the Sorbonne. Moreno greets the audience, goes into a short warm-up, and ends up working with a married couple, Paul and Michelle. Viewers have the opportunity to witness a psychodrama with two protagonists. Michelle is an old Parisienne, and Paul an unhappy American living in France because of his marriage. Moreno uses psychodramatic techniques to lead the couple into an exploration of their conflicts.

Disc 1 : Spontaneity Training and Role Re-Training and Introduction to Psychodrama

The first part of the film is an introduction to the warming up and subsequent transfer of simple spontaneity states, such as a sculptress starting a new creation in clay, or a mother visiting her daughter at boarding school.

The next part is a therapeutic film. A young woman from a well-to-do home, but with a history of emotional instability and a poor responses to previous social demands, learns how to become a waitress. The film shows her development in the skills necessary for this profession before, during, and after the psychodramatic treatment. Records of every session were made, including criticism by the other students, and analysis by the director, Zerka Moreno.

Introduction to Psychodrama (around 1942) In this film, Moreno demonstrates basic techniques such as self-realization, doubling, and role-reversal, using actual students from his Beacon training school. We see Moreno's powerful and unique style as his concepts come to life on stage.

Psychodrama in Action

Psychodrama in Action shows Zerka masterfully conducting an actual psychodrama session with a group of experienced psychodrama practitioners. The protagonist Frank has been having great difficulty completing his doctoral thesis on psychodrama. Zerka directs him in several powerful scenes, including role reversals with his thesis as well as with his grandfather. Interspersed throughout is voiceover commentary from Zerka explaining her thoughts and rationale for her interventions. This video is certain to become a classic in the field for years to come.

Psychodrama, Sociometry and Beyond

Psychodrama, Sociometry and Beyond is an extended interview by a panel of experienced psychodrama practitioners. Zerka delves further into sociometry, using psychodrama in other cultures, and more. Comes with a bonus track of a full-length interview by Victor Yalom, PhD.

Zerka on Psychodrama

Zerka on Psychodrama is an interview with Zerka conducted by Adam Barcroft, MS, Co-Director of The Moreno Institute East. In this candid conversation, Zerka outlines what we need to know about psychodrama. She goes into depth on the instruments of a psychodrama including the director, the protagonist, the auxiliary ego and the stage, as well as important tools and terms including doubling, role reversal and surplus reality. She also engages us on the origins and theory behind psychodrama, the basics of sociometry, her entrée into the practice and her role as director.

Jacob Levy Moreno:

His Life and His Muses

Get an intimate view of Jacob Moreno and the history of psychodrama by viewing:• Moreno’s 2nd wife Florence Gunsher, and his widow Zerka, recount critical moments and influences in the development of psychodrama.• His son Jonathan discuss why he drifted from his father, and how he reconnected.• His daughter Regina discuss his father’s philosophy, eccentric view of himself and spiritual affinities.• His German disciple, Grete Levitz, recall stories of reading poems to him on his deathbed.• Historical footage of Moreno directing a psychodrama.• Poignant recollections of Moreno’s brother William, Helen Jennings, and many others – no important figure is left out!

An additional video is also available for loan -

Exploring Narradrama

Set in a community group home in South Central Los Angeles, this video shows actual footage of a team of narradrama therapists working with a multicultural group of both staff and teens for a series of extended meetings. Watch as the severe disconnection between residents and staff dissolves, mutual respect and connections build, and each side uncovers their strengths and values.This video offers an introduction to the tools and techniques of Narradrama, a new therapeutic approach and alternative to traditional talk therapy. Narradrama is an integration of narrative therapy and drama therapy that incorporates creative arts and experiential activities.This is the first video featuring this exciting new therapeutic approach!

DVD descriptions on this page courtesy of psychotherapy.net