Augusto Boal and Theatre of the Oppressed

Augusto Boal: Father of "Theatre of the Oppressed"
(March 16, 1931-May 2, 2009)

Who was Augusto Boal?
A Brazilian theatre director, the mind behind Theatre of the Oppressed, and also a former Brazilian politician who also created legislative theatre.

Most respected Brazilian theatre practicioner worldwide.

Life and Works:

Raised in Rio de Jainero

Attended Columbia University in late '40s/early 50's

Director at the Arena Theatre in Sao Paolo

*1971-Exiled to Argentina after a military coup
Published two books there:
Torquemada (about torture in prison)
Theatre of the Oppressed (internationally acclaimed)

1986-return to Brazil after fall of dictatorship

Died of Leukemia in 2009

What is the ITO?
International Theatre of the Oppressed Organization

What is Theatre of the Oppressed?
*a form of theatre created by and for people engaged in the struggle for liberation

"rehearsal theatre"

fight back against oppression in daily life

The goal is to foster cooperation and good relationships amongst the parcipipants

There is no gap btw. actor and spectator, instead there are "spect-actors"

Rooted in Aristotlean political principles