Forum theatre

Definition

Forum theatre is a form of participatory theater developed by Augusto Boal that encourages audience members to engage with and alter the narrative in order to explore social issues and injustices. It serves as a platform for dialogue and action, allowing participants to actively question and challenge oppressive situations, which connects deeply to principles of empowerment and social change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Forum theatre originated in Brazil during the 1960s as part of the Theater of the Oppressed movement and was designed to empower individuals to explore their own realities through drama.
2. The structure of forum theatre usually involves a play that presents a conflict or problem, which is then repeated multiple times, allowing audience members to intervene and suggest solutions.
3. Interventions in forum theatre can range from verbal suggestions to physical acting out of alternative scenarios, making it a dynamic space for exploration and learning.
4. The role of the Joker is crucial; this person not only facilitates the session but also encourages inclusivity and ensures that everyone's voice can be heard during interventions.
5. Forum theatre has been applied in various settings, including community organizations, educational institutions, and legislative contexts, demonstrating its versatility in addressing diverse social issues.

Review Questions

• How does forum theatre facilitate active participation from the audience, and what role do spect-actors play in this process?
  • Forum theatre encourages active participation by transforming traditional audience members into spect-actors who can step onto the stage and propose changes to the narrative. This involvement allows individuals to explore different actions and solutions to social issues presented within the performance. By participating directly, spect-actors can address their experiences and collaboratively seek alternatives to oppression, thus fostering a deeper understanding of collective challenges.
• Discuss how the principles of forum theatre relate to broader concepts of social change and empowerment within community contexts.
  • Forum theatre embodies principles of social change by empowering individuals from marginalized communities to express their stories and challenge injustices. By engaging participants in exploring real-life conflicts through drama, it creates a safe space for dialogue and critical reflection. This engagement not only fosters personal agency but also builds solidarity among community members, reinforcing the notion that collective action can lead to significant social transformation.
• Evaluate the impact of incorporating forum theatre techniques into legislative settings and how this shifts power dynamics in community-based theater.
  • Incorporating forum theatre techniques into legislative settings significantly shifts power dynamics by bringing marginalized voices directly into the decision-making process. This approach transforms traditional dialogues between lawmakers and constituents into interactive exchanges where community members can present their concerns and suggest policy changes. By facilitating these conversations through drama, forum theatre not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also challenges existing power structures, ultimately fostering more inclusive governance and accountability.

Related terms

Theater of the Oppressed: A methodology created by Augusto Boal that uses theater as a means of promoting social and political change by empowering marginalized communities to voice their struggles.

Joker:

The facilitator in forum theatre who guides the process, engages with the audience, and ensures that the intervention remains focused on exploring solutions to the presented issues.

Spect-actor: A term used to describe audience members in forum theatre who not only observe but also participate in the performance by stepping in as actors to propose alternative actions.