Theater is a language through which humans can engage in active dialogue on what is important to them. It allows individuals to create a safe space that they may inhabit in groups and use to explore the interactions which make up their lives. It is a lab for problem solving, for seeking options, and for practicing solutions. -Augusto Boal -Augusto Boal

Theater Arts and CRE The movement linking theater arts and CRE has been influenced strongly by the works of Paulo Freire and Augusto Boal The movement linking theater arts and CRE has been influenced strongly by the works of Paulo Freire and Augusto Boal Paulo Friere – Pedagogy of the Oppressed – argued we learn by doing not by being told or shown. Information is useless without personal involvement, reflection and the power to act Paulo Friere – Pedagogy of the Oppressed – argued we learn by doing not by being told or shown. Information is useless without personal involvement, reflection and the power to act Augusto Boal – Theater of the Oppressed – all art is political and should be used for political means and expression. Theater is one of the most powerful art forms for engaging people in their politics Augusto Boal – Theater of the Oppressed – all art is political and should be used for political means and expression. Theater is one of the most powerful art forms for engaging people in their politics

Boals Work Began in the 1950s in Latin America Began in the 1950s in Latin America He educated lay people how to use the power of theater to address local and community conflicts and problems He educated lay people how to use the power of theater to address local and community conflicts and problems He created forms whereby the audience could He created forms whereby the audience could –Stop the production –Enter the action –Propose new points of view –Suggest alternative actions –Discuss the possibilities with those in the audience

Theatre for Community, Conflict and Dialogue – Michael Rohd Michael Rohds Hope is Vital organization operates on basic assumptions Michael Rohds Hope is Vital organization operates on basic assumptions –Virtually anyone can participate in this kind of theater –The difficulties are not in the theater but in the oppressions the group, community or individual want to confront –There is a basic human need for dialogue. We make each other through dialogue. Thus, if dialogue is essential, its absence or denial to some is a profound violation of human rights

Goals of Hope Is Vital To create safe places To create safe places To have dialogue To have dialogue To explore choices and the consequences they can bring To explore choices and the consequences they can bring To practice for real life To practice for real life To enhance communication and decision-making skills To enhance communication and decision-making skills To take risks in fictional worlds To take risks in fictional worlds To utilize the multiple perspectives people bring To utilize the multiple perspectives people bring

Types of Theater CRE Youth Ensemble Training – intensive training of a youth ensemble (8-20 middle school, high school or college age students) who will use interactive theater as a resource to conduct performance workshops in their school or community around specific issues. A community adult is trained to work with them as a facilitator Youth Ensemble Training – intensive training of a youth ensemble (8-20 middle school, high school or college age students) who will use interactive theater as a resource to conduct performance workshops in their school or community around specific issues. A community adult is trained to work with them as a facilitator

Types of Theater CRE Adult Training – Training adults from the community to use this work with youths in school, social service agencies, etc. Adult Training – Training adults from the community to use this work with youths in school, social service agencies, etc. Workshops – The facilitation of one time workshops with youth and/or adults around community issues. Workshops – The facilitation of one time workshops with youth and/or adults around community issues.

Groundrules for Theater CRE in the Classroom Respect everyones ideas Respect everyones ideas Create a think tank/creative atmosphere Create a think tank/creative atmosphere No cross-talk or analyzing others work No cross-talk or analyzing others work Focus on the subject at hand Focus on the subject at hand No dominating of the activity or group by some individuals No dominating of the activity or group by some individuals Close with group sharing Close with group sharing