Forum theatre

Definition

Forum theatre is a participatory form of theatre created to promote social change and engage audiences in discussions about social issues. This technique allows spectators to become active participants, encouraging them to intervene in a play's narrative to explore different outcomes and perspectives. It connects deeply with movements that seek to empower marginalized voices, facilitate dialogue, and challenge societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Forum theatre originated from Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed in Brazil during the 1960s, designed to create a space for dialogue and social action.
2. In forum theatre, a play is performed twice: first in its entirety, followed by a second performance where audience members can interrupt and suggest changes.
3. This method emphasizes collective problem-solving and empowers participants to reimagine scenarios, allowing them to visualize potential solutions to real-world issues.
4. Forum theatre has been used in various settings, including community activism, education, and conflict resolution, highlighting its versatility as a tool for engagement.
5. The approach is particularly effective in raising awareness about social injustices, as it fosters an environment where marginalized voices can be heard and explored through performance.

Review Questions

• How does forum theatre differ from traditional forms of theatre in terms of audience engagement?
  • Forum theatre differs from traditional theatre by actively involving the audience in the performance process. Instead of being passive spectators, audience members, referred to as spect-actors, can intervene in the narrative to propose alternative actions or solutions to the conflicts presented on stage. This interactive format not only fosters a deeper connection between the audience and the themes explored but also empowers individuals to think critically about social issues and their potential impact.
• Discuss how forum theatre aligns with the principles of the Theatre of the Oppressed and its goals for social change.
  • Forum theatre aligns with the principles of the Theatre of the Oppressed by emphasizing participation and dialogue as essential components for social change. Both seek to challenge power dynamics and give voice to marginalized communities. By enabling audiences to step into the performance, forum theatre creates a collaborative space where diverse perspectives can be explored. This engagement encourages participants to recognize their agency in addressing social issues and inspires collective action towards meaningful change.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of forum theatre in promoting social awareness and community involvement compared to more traditional approaches to theatrical storytelling.
  • Forum theatre is often more effective than traditional approaches in promoting social awareness and community involvement because it directly engages participants in the storytelling process. By allowing audience members to intervene and reshape narratives, it transforms passive consumption into active dialogue, creating a sense of ownership over the issues presented. This method not only raises awareness but also equips individuals with practical tools for advocacy and change. The collaborative nature fosters empathy and understanding, making it a powerful vehicle for addressing complex social challenges in ways that traditional storytelling may not achieve.

Related terms

Theatre of the Oppressed: A theatrical movement developed by Augusto Boal that aims to empower individuals and communities by using performance as a tool for social and political change.

Intervention: In the context of forum theatre, an intervention refers to when audience members step into the performance to alter the actions or decisions of characters, thereby influencing the direction of the story.

Spect-actor: A term coined by Augusto Boal to describe an audience member who becomes an active participant in the theatre experience, blending the roles of spectator and actor.