So, what is this TO Forum Theatre?
Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) is an active, imaginative, engaging form of Applied Theatre. Invented by Augusto Boal, a Brazilian director, actor, and activist, Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) aims to break down barriers between us.
Is it different than regular theatre?
The answer is: YES.
Here's why:
You get to play WITH it.
How's that?
Yes! You get to be involved with the outcome of the play.
Let me show you how we DEVISE our play.
(Devising is the ensemble creation of a piece of theatre.)
Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) is an active, imaginative, engaging form of Applied Theatre. Invented by Augusto Boal, a Brazilian director, actor, and activist, Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) aims to break down barriers between us.
Is it different than regular theatre?
The answer is: YES.
Here's why:
You get to play WITH it.
How's that?
Yes! You get to be involved with the outcome of the play.
Let me show you how we DEVISE our play.
(Devising is the ensemble creation of a piece of theatre.)

Joker Shannon leading a Theatre of the Oppressed Game at the South Carolina Theatre Association Conference

Another Theatre of the Oppressed Game at SCTA. This work breaks down barriers between strangers quickly. Doesn't it look fun? Reach!

We start by playing a bunch of games.
Then, we begin to talk and work through real world issues the group is facing.
Collectively, we can creatively brainstorm an issue of oppression, and then do more than just talk. We can theatrically apply the ideas to the problem and test them out. There's not one way to solve it...there are hundreds. We can do this, bravely, honestly, and creatively in TO.
Then, we begin to talk and work through real world issues the group is facing.
Collectively, we can creatively brainstorm an issue of oppression, and then do more than just talk. We can theatrically apply the ideas to the problem and test them out. There's not one way to solve it...there are hundreds. We can do this, bravely, honestly, and creatively in TO.