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Iraqi war victims find solace on stage

Theater therapy in Iraq is being utilized to help treat people suffering from war-related psychological problems, but institutionalizing the approach faces its own struggle in the country.
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BAGHDAD – At Jabbar Khmat’s Theater Clinic, patients suffering from psychological problems find relief by taking the stage to act. The Iraqi academic and actor launched the Theater Clinic to aid those suffering mentally from the conflicts that have plagued Iraq.

“Theater Clinic, unlike traditional theaters, aims to find therapeutic solutions for victims of war and social crises,” said Khmat, who began his career in theater therapy treating victims of the 1988 chemical attacks by Saddam Hussein's government against Halabja, in Iraqi Kurdistan. “This type of art helps patients break out of their isolation. Their participation improves their vocal and physical skills and enhances their ability to communicate.” Khmat explained, “The project also allows patients to compose scripts to be performed on stage.”

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