CCA TI Course Archive
Introduction to Theater of the Oppressed: Theater Techniques to Address Issues of Equity and Social Justice in the Classroom
OAK 2118
Instructor: John Scott
Fri., 4–7 p.m., Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (lunch break: noon–1 p.m.), April 11–13.
3 sessions. $310. CEU: 1.5 available through Cal State East Bay. Prerequisites: none
Theater of the Oppressed, created by Brazilian visionary Augusto Boal, is a form of popular community-based education that uses theater as a tool for transformation. Originally developed out of Boal's work with peasant and worker populations, it is now used all over the world for social and political activism, conflict resolution, community building, therapy, and government legislation.
This three-day intensive workshop focuses on using basic methods of Theater of the Oppressed structures and techniques. Students learn and practice interactive techniques for addressing issues of class, race, gender, sexuality, power, and oppression. The methods learned in class can be applied to a variety of contexts, including educational settings, nonprofit organizations, and public forums. During the workshop students apply structures from Augusto Boal's book, Games For Actors and Non-Actors and practice scene work using Forum Theater techniques. (Acting experience is not required.)
