THEATRE OF THE OPPRESSED ON YouTube

Gotta Love YouTube. I thought it would be a shot in the dark trying to find TO techniques online in video form, but apparently i'm not up with the times.

Regarding these clips:

TO is practiced internationally and known for its cross-cultural applicability. I chose these two clips because they represent exercises/techniques I've done before, they depict participants from different countries, and also because they don't require much explanation.

The first clip is a warmup, the second is of Image Theatre:

• In pairs, alternately, count back and forth “1, 2, 3” several times.
• Person A now creates a movement and sound and teaches it to B. This replaces #1. Count back and forth again, but always replace #1 with the sound movement.
• In round 3, person B creates a different sound/movement. This replaces #2. The count becomes sound/movement 1, sound/movement 2, #3 – back and forth.
• In the last stage, A creates a third sound/movement. All the numbers are replaced by the three sound/movement routines and passed back and forth in order.
  
  

This video is an example of Image Theatre:

In Image Theatre, the aim is to gradually transform the image of oppression until the oppression is 'broken'. The audience (also 'spect-actors' when they are invited to explore on stage) offers ways the oppression may begin to be broken. In Image Theatre Forum, the image is brought to life with dialogue and action, and the suggestions from the audience are put to the test through exploration and reflection.

FOR MY GRANDMA BINKIE, WHO ASKED ME THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS WHEN I TOLD HER I WAS GOING TO BRAZIL:

I was introduced to Theatre of the Oppressed a few years ago and decided to take an intro course last summer. Some reflections: TotO Intro Journal Excerpts. I am glad to have another opportunity to experience and learn TotO theory and techniques, and also see Rio de Janeiro.















GRANDMA'S INTERROGATION:

Who's going on this trip?

• Me & some folks from NYU.

to do What?

• (TO) - Theatre of the Oppressed. a.k.a. Teatro do Oprimido

• I am going to participate in a series of workshops with Augusto Boal, creator of Theatre of the Oppressed.

• from the syllabus:
• Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) was developed by Boal during the 1950's and 1960's in an effort to transform theatre from the "monologue" of traditional performance into a "dialogue" between audience and stage. TO is a series of imaginative theatre exercises which promote awareness of one's social situation and its limitations, individual attitudes, and how our bodies are bound by tradition. From his work, Boal evolved various forms of theatre workshops and performances which aimed to meet the needs of all people for interaction, dialogue, social awareness, critical thinking, conflict, action, and fun.
  

• I will be studying "Rainbow of Desire" techniques aka The Boal Method, which are psychotherapeutic in nature and use group process to help individuals examine emotion and relationship.

Where, now?

• Rio de Janeiro, @ the Boal Center or Centro do Teatro do Oprimido
  
• Also to Buzios, briefly.
  

Why?

• Once in a lifetime opportunity. No contest.

When are you going, and how long are you going to be gone?

• Aug. 3-14. I leave on the 1st and return on the 16th.
  (MISS YOU DJ!)
  
  
  
  

GOING SOUTH...

photo courtesy of National Geographic

I am going to Brazil.

yay!