Forum theatre

Definition

Forum theatre is an interactive form of theatre that encourages audience participation in order to explore social issues and promote change. It allows spectators to intervene in the performance, suggesting and enacting alternative actions to address conflicts or injustices presented on stage. This participatory approach emphasizes the role of the audience as active agents in dialogue about societal problems, connecting deeply with the characteristics and functions of theatre as a tool for reflection and community engagement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Forum theatre originated from the Theatre of the Oppressed movement, developed by Augusto Boal in Brazil during the 1960s.
2. In forum theatre, scenes are typically performed multiple times, allowing the audience to suggest changes and enact solutions for conflict resolution.
3. This method empowers marginalized voices by providing a platform for discussion and exploration of their experiences through drama.
4. The structure of forum theatre fosters critical thinking, encouraging spectators to analyze situations from different perspectives and consider potential solutions.
5. Forum theatre is often used in educational settings, community organizations, and activism as a way to stimulate dialogue about social issues like inequality, discrimination, and justice.

Review Questions

• How does forum theatre challenge traditional roles between actors and audience members?
  • Forum theatre redefines the conventional dynamic between actors and audience members by transforming spectators into 'spect-actors' who can actively participate in the performance. This approach allows audience members to intervene in scenes, suggesting alternative actions or solutions to conflicts presented on stage. By fostering this interactive environment, forum theatre promotes a collaborative exploration of social issues, making the audience an integral part of the storytelling process rather than passive observers.
• Discuss the significance of audience intervention in forum theatre and its impact on addressing social issues.
  • Audience intervention is a core component of forum theatre, allowing spectators to take control of the narrative and propose different outcomes for the scenarios depicted. This participatory aspect is significant because it empowers individuals to engage with social issues directly, creating an inclusive dialogue about potential solutions. By actively participating in the performance, audiences can better relate to the conflicts presented, leading to increased awareness and advocacy for social change beyond the theatrical experience.
• Evaluate how forum theatre aligns with post-modern principles in contemporary performance practices.
  • Forum theatre aligns with post-modern principles by challenging traditional narratives and blurring the lines between performer and audience. It emphasizes interactivity and breaks down barriers within theatrical conventions, reflecting post-modernism's focus on decentralization and fragmentation. This alignment allows forum theatre to adapt and respond to contemporary societal issues dynamically, encouraging diverse perspectives and collaborative storytelling that resonate with modern audiences seeking meaningful engagement through art.

Related terms

Theatre of the Oppressed: A theatrical movement created by Augusto Boal that seeks to use theatre as a means of promoting social change, particularly in oppressed communities.

Spect-Actor: A term coined by Augusto Boal to describe audience members who become active participants in a performance, influencing the narrative and outcomes.

Interactive Theatre: A form of theatre that involves the audience directly in the performance, allowing them to engage with the actors and influence the story being told.