The workshop is designed to strengthen community activation and dialogue through interactive exercises developed from the fundamentals of "Theatre of Oppressed".
It offers a space for creative expression and exploration of dynamics of relationships. Through engaging in exercises, games, improvisation(A.Boal would call ‘gamesercises’) and theatrical techniques to express our ideas, share experiences, and better understand our relationships with one another. This experience gives a chance to use theatre as a tool for communication, critical thinking and social change within our communities. Perhaps more importantly, it helps us to deepen our understanding of ourselves.
The Theatre of Oppressed
What is "Theatre of Oppressed"?
It's a theatre technique developed by Augusto Boal in Brazil in the 1960s. Its guiding methodology was Paulo Freire's work "The Pedagogy of the Oppressed". The method aims to find ways for individuals or communities to actively and creatively resist the imbalance caused by the oppressor-oppressed relationship. It is dedicated to understanding, preserving, developing, and renegotiating these imbalances. The practice is used as a functional tool for understanding and addressing social issues, turning theater into a platform for conscious exploration of social and political change. The method actively engages the audience and participants, transforming them from passive observers into active participants.
The method consist of physical exercises, games, image techniques, and specific improvisations developed, compiled, and systematized by Augusto Boal. The method has also developed its own various theatre forms: such as Forum Theatre, Image Theatre, Invisible Theatre.
Social Confrontation
The Theatre of Oppressed addresses the oppressor-oppressed dynamics with complete objectivity, methodically confronting participants with the "problem".
Creating Empathy and Awareness
The practice of “Theatre of Oppressed” is based on the experiential sharing of individuals.
Balance
Theatre of the Oppressed focuses on reshaping the power dynamics between the oppressor and the oppressed. Its ideal is to establish a balance where both parties can coexist without domination.
The Theatre of Oppressed examines the dynamics of "oppression". exploring its formation, causes, stages, tools, and more. The analysis is multidimensional, considering factors like spatial, social, time, linguistic, etc.. It aims to make the oppression as visible as possible for deeper understanding.
Active Participant
The Theatre of Oppressed invites the audience to the stage/ action, searching for solutions through active involvement.