Theatre of the Oppressed

What are the motifs in Theatre of the Oppressed by Augusto Boal?

Asked by
Last updated by Cat
1 Answers
Log in to answer

In Boal's view, the difference between the spectator and the actor is artificial. Every person has the capacity for art, as a human being, and by taking the active role away from the spectator, the theater is dehumanizing and oppressing the spectator. The spectator's identity, thoughts, and feelings are co-opted by the theater. The spectator-actor relationship is a dichotomy. They are opposites, and in traditional theater, they are forces that are actively antagonistic. The actor usurps the spectator's identity and humanity.