  Forum TheatreBrief Description:Forum Theatre is an interactive form of theatre that encourages audience interaction and explores different options for dealing with a problem or issue. Forum Theatre is often used by socially excluded and disempowered groups.
Description:Forum Theatre (also known as ‘Boal’s Theatre’, ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’, ‘Theatre for Development’) is an interactive theatre form invented (or discovered) in the early 1970s by Augusto Boal who wanted to empower the audience of his plays. An audience is shown a short-ish play in which a central character (protagonist) encounters an oppression or obstacle which s/he is unable to overcome; the subject-matter will usually be something of immediate importance to the audience, often based on a shared life experience. When the play has been performed members of the audience can take to the stage and suggest alternative options for how the protagonist could have acted. The actors explore the results of these choices with the audience creating a kind of theatrical debate, in which experiences and ideas are rehearsed and shared, generating both solidarity and a sense of empowerment. In the UK Forum Theatre has been used by the organisation Cardboard Citizens to give homeless people a voice - enabling them to reach and recognise their potential. Used For:Forum Theatre sessions allow people to take the stage and show many different possibilities. In this way, the event can be used to rehearse for an imminent occasion, or to uncover and analyse alternatives in any situation, past, present or future. The experience can build empathy for the situation of a particular group or to try to overcome a sense of powerlessness amongst the audience. Suitable participants:Forum Theatre can be used with any type of audience. The method has in particular been used by and with groups who feel excluded, such as the homeless or residents in areas affected by poverty.
Cost:Varies If experienced volunteers and a free venue can be found the costs can be low. If formal training is required this can cost thousands of pounds per week. There might also be costs for the production of the play as well as the expenses and wages of the actors. Time Requirements:The event itself takes as long a ‘normal’ play with an additional 30 minutes at the end of the play for audience participation. Setting up a Forum Theatre play usually takes months.
When To Use / What It Can Deliver:Forum theatre can provide a voice for people who normally struggle to be heard. It can also increase the audience’s empathy for others. Through the audience participation ew dieas and solutions to existing problems can be explored. The theatre setting can be avery powerful tool to explore difficult issues.
When Not To Use / What It Cannot Deliver:Forum theatre is not a decision making tool or a method for capturing the views of the audience.
Strengths:Combines high quality, innovative and interactive theatre with social objectives. Weaknesses:Forum theatre requires the skills and ability amongst the organisers to crate a powerful and meaningful play. Origin:International Development/Community Development Case Studies:
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Restrictions In UseNone Further InformationCardboard Citizens tel 020 7247 7747 email mail@cardboardcitizens.org.uk |
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