Forum Theatre

Definition

Forum Theatre is a participatory form of theatre developed by Augusto Boal, designed to encourage dialogue and social change by allowing the audience to engage with the performance. It creates a space where participants can explore and rehearse solutions to social issues by intervening in the action, effectively transforming the audience from passive spectators into active agents of change. This approach connects strongly with the principles of political theatre and agitprop, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing social injustices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Forum Theatre invites audience members to intervene in the performance, allowing them to propose alternative actions for the characters facing challenges.
2. This method emphasizes dialogue and collective problem-solving, fostering a sense of community among participants.
3. Forum Theatre can address various social issues, including discrimination, poverty, and violence, making it a versatile tool for activism.
4. The format often includes a 'joker,' a facilitator who helps guide discussions and encourages participation from the audience.
5. Boal's Forum Theatre is rooted in the belief that everyone has the potential to contribute to social change through artistic expression.

Review Questions

• How does Forum Theatre transform traditional roles within a performance, and what impact does this have on audience engagement?
  • Forum Theatre shifts traditional roles by turning audience members into 'spect-actors,' allowing them to intervene in the performance and propose alternative actions. This transformation fosters a deeper engagement, as participants feel empowered to influence the narrative directly. By participating in this way, audience members are encouraged to reflect on social issues and consider possible solutions, creating an interactive experience that promotes dialogue and awareness.
• Discuss the relationship between Forum Theatre and agitprop theatre, particularly in terms of their goals for social change.
  • Forum Theatre and agitprop theatre share a common goal of inspiring social change through artistic means, but they differ in their approaches. While agitprop focuses on delivering strong political messages through direct propaganda techniques, Forum Theatre emphasizes participatory engagement, allowing audiences to interact with the performance. This participatory aspect of Forum Theatre encourages collective problem-solving and critical discussion among participants, making it a dynamic tool for addressing social injustices.
• Evaluate how Forum Theatre can be utilized as an effective tool for marginalized communities to express their experiences and advocate for change.
  • Forum Theatre serves as an effective tool for marginalized communities by providing a platform for their voices and experiences to be heard in a supportive environment. Through this interactive format, community members can dramatize their challenges, explore potential solutions, and foster dialogue among diverse participants. This process not only empowers individuals to confront issues directly but also raises awareness within wider audiences, thus advocating for change on both local and systemic levels.

Related terms

Theatre of the Oppressed: A theatrical approach created by Augusto Boal that uses interactive performance to empower marginalized communities and stimulate social change.

Agitprop: Short for 'agitation propaganda,' this refers to political art and theatre designed to provoke social change and raise awareness about political issues.

Spect-Actor: A term coined by Boal to describe audience members who take on an active role in the performance, intervening to alter the narrative and explore different outcomes.