Theater for Social Change

3 units

Drawing upon the principles and teachings of Brazilian director Augusto Boal, students will explore ways of effecting positive social change in a theatrical context. Students will study the aesthetic of Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed and learn various games and exercises designed to mine issues of social (in)justice. Using Boal's techniques of image and forum theatre, students will then create and perform plays focused on these issues. This public performance will be an interactive event offered for and with the university community. No prior performance training or experience is required for this course.