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This article discusses a New Zealand theatre in education project to prevent child abuse and neglect, and family violence. Developed to assist in the prevention of child abuse and neglect, and family violence by the Department of Child, Youth and Family, Everyday Theatre was presented in more than 55 schools across the North Island of New Zealand between July and December 2004. Over 5,000 Year 7 and 8 students participated in the workshops. The event begins with the students watching a 20-minute performance, which tells the story of a fictitious family with easily recognisable characteristics. The students consider the various perspectives of family members who either witnessed, were victims or perpetrators of abuse. The students work with the teacher/actors using dramatic conventions to explore the story and discover what might help the family. A range of evaluation tools were designed and used for the ongoing review of the programme. These included written teacher evaluation reports. Focus group interviews were undertaken in four schools In general, teachers and students rated the experience highly. Teachers'/actors' reflective journals were also used in final evaluation reports.

Social work now : the practice journal of Child, Youth and Family (31) August 2005 : 4-7