Topic 2 Introduction to Theatre of the Oppressed
The Theatre of the Oppressed(TO) is a participatory theater technique which fosters cooperative and democratic interaction among students. TO invites people to become “spect-actors,” capable of taking action and using theatre as a rehearsal space for social transformation.
TO involves the participation of different actors. Here is a list of the key actors in a typical TO production:
- Facilitator: A facilitator is responsible for guiding the participants through the process of creating and performing the play. They help to structure the rehearsals, lead warm-up activities, and facilitate
- Spect-actors: These are the audience members who actively participate in the performance. They are encouraged to stop the action and offer suggestions or solutions to the problems presented on stage.
- Actors: These are the performers who play the characters in the production. These could be Oppressors or Allies.
- Joker: These are the facilitators who guide the production and help to create a safe and supportive space for exploration and experimentation. They may also play various roles on stage, such as the oppressor or an ally to the oppressed.
