Oppressed, Theatre of the

The Theatre of the Oppressed is an interactive theatrical form created by Augusto Boal. It aims to transform lives by turning spectators into performers who act out solutions to social problems. This approach emerged in the late 1960s, inspired by Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed.1

Boal developed several techniques:
* Image Theatre: Performers create tableaux representing oppressive situations, and spectators suggest changes.1
* Invisible Theatre: Actors stage problematic situations in public to elicit reactions from unaware passersby.1
* Forum Theatre: Actors perform a scene of oppression, and spectators suggest and enact solutions.1

These methods, often facilitated by "Jokers," are designed for entertainment, education, and consciousness-raising.12