Theatre of the Oppressed Workshop

Join ROYA and Brookline Arts Center for an introductory workshop to participatory theatre inspired by Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed (TO). TO is a form of theatre developed in the 1970s as a tool that uses performance to advance social and political transformation. Inspired by Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed, TO subverts traditional performances from spector-actor to actor-actor where everyone is an active participant in storytelling as a practice for emancipatory world-building. As a participatory form of theatre, it creates space for communal engagement, playfulness, and critical dialogue around social and political themes.

The workshop, led by artist and educator Kayhan Irani, will introduce participants to the TO framework and engage in improvisational and participatory exercises on real-life scenarios shared by the group in attendance. Come ready to play, improvise, and connect with others through movement and discourse!

This workshop is free and open to everyone. No prior experience needed, just a curiosity and commitment to collective liberation!

Host or Publisher Brookline Arts Center