Theatre of the Oppressed

by Augusto Boal

Book Overview

"Boal and his work are marvelous examples of the post-modern situation-its problems and its opportunities. Twice exiled, Boal is 'at home' now wherever he finds himself to be. He makes a skeptical, comic, inquisitive and finally optimistic theatre involving spectators and performers in the search for community and integrity. This is a good book to be used even more than to be read." - Richard Schechner

"Augusto Boal's achievement is so remarkable,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0930452496
• ISBN13: 9780930452490
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Theatre Communications Group
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Thought provoking, educational, exciting

The first two sections (analyzing Aristotle's Poetics and Brecht's aesthetics), while long, dense and confusing, make clear Boal's argument for the necessity of a change in theater practice if it's going to be a vehicle of change. It also cleared up my ancient philosophy course from college. I'm glad he's written other books, because the actual information about theatre of the oppressed tends to be thin and abstract, and since it's so different from anything I've ever done or seen, more examples would have been helpful. Still, he never wastes words, and it is such a rich subject that I know I'll understand more when I reread it. Highly recommended.

Blow MY MIND!

Buy this. I know that isn't a sentence but wow. This is a life changing work. If you care the minutest bit about theatre, mankind, and the future of both (together and seperate) then feast here. Also, a side benifit is listening to Boal argue AGAINST The Poetics. Good stuff. The begining is a little slow because he begins by very carefully setting up examples and definitions before he begins to explain his actual work and theory. This is nessisary and impressive (citing some ancient Greek philosophers to whom I had never been introduced). I think this book handed me some special x-ray glasses to look through the clothing of our contemporary American theatre. Get yourself a pare.

Extra Credit

This should be required reading in our theatre schools, but is generally relegated to the extra credit section of additional reading. Boal expounds some brilliant concepts that should be considered by all contempoary theatre practitioners. Serious theatre goers should read this text as well.

Inspiration for the Artist

Perhaps the pursuit of art in this world of massive economic, social and legal inequality is simply privileged playing and bemusement? Perhaps art has no valued, but as marketable, profitable entertainment? Or, perhaps art (and specifically theatre) can actually change the world? Boal is not the first to speak of theater's revolutionary quality, but unlike his predecessors he takes to the street with his theory. Tracing the relationship between the producers of theatre and its audience, Boal exposes the historical oppression imposed by the dramatic machine/conventions of the past. In its place he offers theoretical and practical examples of his "People's theatre" (i.e., paratheatre or interactive theatre). For all seriously minded artist this is a must read. Especially if you wish to understand your role in artistic production and also wish to make a difference with you work.