Theatre of the Oppressed
An overview
Philosophical approach
The aesthetics of Augusto Boal's approach to acting are that:
Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future, rather than just waiting for it (Boal, 1992, p. xxxi).
The Theatre of the Oppressed was developed by Brazilian theatre director Augusto Boal during the 1950's to 1970's in response to the oppression of the ruling Brazilian Government. He wanted to create a theatre that engaged in a 'dialogue of ideas' between the actors and the audience as he believed that Western Theatre divided people into those few who do and those many who watch-it was a 'monologue theatre'. In other words this Western Theatre model reflected our society where there are a few in power and many who watch the action of history or just accept things as they are and take no action. Boal has continued to reflect and develop his philosophical and practical approaches to the present day.
Boal identified the stages by which the audience could become an actor in a theatre of dialogue. They are:
know the body
make the body expressive
understand theatre as language
that theatre can be a discourse for change (Adapted from Babbage, 2004, p.20).
This theatrical philosophy allowed the concept of a spec-actor to emerge; spec-Âactor is a term for audience members who are turned into actors. Boal believed that all people are theatre and we all have the capacity to act. Theatrical performances should not solely be the realm of professionals (Carr and Weekley, 2006). He says that everyone is an actor and that theatrical language is the most essential human language.
Activity
Logbook and discussion
Read the preface to your text book set for study.
Write a reflection in your logbook discussing why Boal says 'Everyone is an Actor'.
Discuss your response to these ideas.
Theatrical practice
Boal established theatre forms such as:
Image Theatre
Invisible Theatre
Forum Theatre.
all of which have particular acting approaches that address the ideas of how we can we change our society. These acting approaches are explored in Chapter 2 The structure of the actor's work and can be categorised as:
the primacy of emotion
will and counter will
de-mechanisation of the body.
It is imprtant to breakdown and explore these theatrical practices and philosophical approaches in your logbook. Reflect, evaluate, and ask questions about what you are doing and why at all times when studying Boal.