Forum theatre
Forum for Change
A play about Gender-based violence
“ It’s a relief to talk about subjects which are really upsetting and to use them as a means of theatre, but also to find a playfulness in difficult subjects which then allows for transformation.” Actor, Claudia Barton
A study by the HEA in 2021 found that four out of 10 students agreed that sexual violence and sexual harassment were a problem at their college(1). In response, colleges across Ireland have developed training on sexual consent, but has it gone far enough to change a culture where women can be blamed for sexual violence based on the length of their skirts?
To ask this question, a team of actors who are connected to the Creativity and Change programme at MTU have created a Forum theatre play. Forum theatre engages the audience in collectively exploring alternative solutions to complex issues, like gender based violence.
For this play, the audience will see the story of a young woman who is fighting to challenge the rape culture that has infiltrated her college campus. From trying to influence bystanders to become allies, to addressing the complicit college administration, they will see her struggles to create change. Then, the audience, who are called "Spect-actors" will have the opportunity to revisit the play with new strategies and approaches. Together, with the actors, they will rehearse for the changes we want to see. New possibilities will emerge as they explore what real solidarity takes.
If you are interested in hosting the Forum theatre play:
Specifications: We need access to a large room. We do not need a stage, but a suitably large area for the actors as well as enough seating for the audience.
The play and discussion runs for approximately two hours, depending on the level of audience engagement.
Contact Chriszine Backhouse at chriszine.backhouse@mtu.ie for more information.