During the Youth Exchange “Theatre for All” we explored the forum theatre method, though creating creative theatre plays, conducting research and carrying out discussions.
Forum Theatre was created in 1974 by Augusto Boal, a Brazilian playwright and director. Its aim is to help people in the audience to identify and overcome social injustice.
This form of theatre is different because the audience has the power to change the course of the story. They are shown a short play in which a character is committing a form of oppression. The audience can then switch places with the actors in order to solve the conflict. The so-called „spect-actors” create a theatrical debate with the performers that generates solidarity and a sense of empowerment.
Many people are wondering if theatre is real life, but Forum Theatre comes with the answer. It’s not only about real life, but learning how to solve real-life problems.
Arina, Radu and Mikołaj – participants of the youth exchange
