Why is this significant?
It is crucial to constantly reassess our actions and approach to work as the world changes and develops. Something that was effective and valuable in the past, may not have the same impact in today's world. Forum Theatre has been in practice now for forty two years, and in that time the world has changed dramatically.
The beautiful thing about Forum Theatre, is that it speaks to what is unique about being human. Boal explains, “[In] its most archaic sense, theatre is the capacity possessed by human beings – and not by animals – to observe themselves in action. Humans are capable of seeing themselves in the act of seeing, of thinking their emotions, of being moved by their thoughts. They can see themselves here and imagine themselves there; they can see themselves today and imagine themselves tomorrow. This is why humans are able to identify (themselves and others) and not merely to recognise.” (Games for Actors and Non-Actors, Boal xxvi)
Although our intrinsic human nature will not change, the manner in which we communicate with one another has changed drastically from forty two years ago. Information can now be shared internationally in mere seconds, and self expression has ascended to a new level now that anyone can publish their writing or videos on the internet. Perhaps Theatre of the Oppressed and Forum Theatre need to start incorporating social media and establish a stronger online presence in order to reach more people. In the true spirit of Forum Theatre, let us gather around the drawing board and ask ourselves what is still working, and what needs to be changed?
The beautiful thing about Forum Theatre, is that it speaks to what is unique about being human. Boal explains, “[In] its most archaic sense, theatre is the capacity possessed by human beings – and not by animals – to observe themselves in action. Humans are capable of seeing themselves in the act of seeing, of thinking their emotions, of being moved by their thoughts. They can see themselves here and imagine themselves there; they can see themselves today and imagine themselves tomorrow. This is why humans are able to identify (themselves and others) and not merely to recognise.” (Games for Actors and Non-Actors, Boal xxvi)
Although our intrinsic human nature will not change, the manner in which we communicate with one another has changed drastically from forty two years ago. Information can now be shared internationally in mere seconds, and self expression has ascended to a new level now that anyone can publish their writing or videos on the internet. Perhaps Theatre of the Oppressed and Forum Theatre need to start incorporating social media and establish a stronger online presence in order to reach more people. In the true spirit of Forum Theatre, let us gather around the drawing board and ask ourselves what is still working, and what needs to be changed?
