Transformational Power of Theatre of the Opressed with Marginalized Students

Abstract

A reflective essay on how I came to find Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed and how it transformed me, my theatre program and ultimately, my students. I introduce how I came to this practice and how I use Boal's techniques and practices in combination with others to create my own theatre pedagogy.   I discuss assessments based on a non-traditional rubrics such as self-worth, vulnerability, adaptability, collaboration, creativity, empathy and unity. Finally, I believe this collaborative theatre is a type of social justice in and of itself; it offers a way to radicalize and liberate ourselves from oppressive systems which most of us are constantly boxed into.