1. Orientation & Safety Framing (20–30 min)

• Begin by explaining the purpose of the role play: exploring dynamics of power, inclusion, exclusion, and empathy through embodied learning.

• Establish clear group agreements around emotional safety, respect, voluntary participation, the right to step out of role, and no stereotyping.

• Emphasize that the group will co-create the scenario rather than receive a fixed one, in order to ensure personal relevance.

2. Scenario Co-Creation (15–20 min)

In working with roles, inclusion, and systemic challenges, it is essential that scenarios are not only realistic, but also personally meaningful for participants. A top-down approach can create distance or even resistance.

• Invite participants to share real-life situations (personal or observed) related to exclusion, bias, or structural barriers. (Make sure this does not lead to retraumatization)

• Facilitate a short collective prioritization to select 1–2 key scenarios that feel most relevant and not too sensitive.

• Support participants in framing the situation clearly while maintaining emotional safety.

 3. Role Assignment & Preparation (10–15 min)

• Once the scenario is finalized, distribute or co-create role descriptions, or invite volunteers to take on different roles.

• Encourage participants to consider the character’s motivation, status, and emotional state.

• Remind them to stay aware of the boundary between themselves and their role.

4. Role Play Enactment (10–15 min)

• Let the scene play out without interruption, allowing natural dynamics to emerge.

• Optionally, pause the scene at its peak tension and invite other participants to step into a role and change the course of action (forum theatre technique).

5. Stepping out of the roles. Debrief & Reflection (20–30 min)

• First, stepping out of the roles qualitatively using stabilizing practices, let those who were most uncomfortable exit the roles first, followed by the others.

• Guide the group in reflecting on the experience:

  • What did you notice about power and communication?

  • Which behaviors promoted inclusion or exclusion?

  • What surprised you?

  • How does this connect to your real-life experiences?

• Allow space for emotional processing as well as critical analysis. You can use Dixit cards as prompts here if needed.

6. Application to Real Contexts (10–15 min)

• Invite participants to name one concrete action they could take in their community, organization, or relationships to foster inclusion.

• Optionally, develop a mini action plan or initiative idea.

7. End with a nice little exercise to leave the group in a good and resourceful mood.

For example, to ground participants after the role play, invite everyone to stand up and gently shake out their hands, arms, and legs, letting go of any remaining tension or emotions. Encourage them to take a few deep breaths as they do this, allowing themselves to release the intensity of the exercise. After about 30 seconds, have them pause, take three slow, deep breaths, and reflect quietly on one positive insight they will carry forward from the experience.

• Accessing services: A migrant parent seeks help at a public office with no translation support.

• Education setting: A school staff member deals with unclear procedures when enrolling a displaced child.

• Public space: A conflict arises in a park over language use, with bystanders unsure how to respond.