Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed

This seminar is designed to provide an in-depth introduction to the theory and praxis of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed. It covers the main components of Theatre of the Oppressed including Teatro Foro, Image Theatre, Invisible Theatre, and Legislative Theatre. Students examine the traditional and problematic definitions of concepts in theatre and analyze the profound coercive nature of tragedy as it pertains to contemporary forms of art and representation and its main use as a representational system of repression. Oppression and isms of various forms are examined, particularly those present in the lives of participants. Through Theatre of the Oppressed exercises, students are able to “rehearse” many possible responses and resistance to oppression and to explore practices in freedom. Students also critically examine the content, authority, and portrayal of representation in theatre, film, and television. They effectively become actors and playwrights of their own stories by virtue of deconstructing coercive theatre and constructing a theatre of their own.