Methodology
ACT OUT uses a range of techniques from Theatre of the Oppressed (TO), a social theatre methodology developed by Brazilian theatre practitioner Augusto Boal (pictured below). TO has been used and continues to be used in social and behaviour change interventions throughout the world with great success.
Theatre warm ups and exercises:
These are used in all interventions regardless of the technique employed. They are fun and engaging physical activities that build trust, release creativity, energise participants and prepare the group for the more explorative work.
Images:
Also a technique used throughout the workshops. Images are the basic language of theatre for transformation. We use one or many frozen physical images to create communication between participants and spectators.
Forum theatre:
When a group has workshopped a particular theme it can lead to a short play. The play is performed in front of an audience that may be from the same community or who are dealing with similar issues. However, unlike traditional plays it does not have an outcome; the play is left open for the audience, who is referred to as the spec-actors, to come up with possible outcomes. The play is played once right through (it is usually no longer than ten minutes). Then it is played again, this time the spect-actors can stop the play at any moment they consider a moment of struggle; of oppression. The actor (participant) steps aside and the spect-actor performs the action he or she thinks would have a better outcome.
Rainbow of desire:
Allows participants to explore certain oppressive issues by looking at the fears and desires experienced within the group about a particular issue. Sometimes the issue is prescribed and sometimes it is left to the group to come up with during the session.
The group chooses a story from a selection offered by participants dealing with this issue. The story is then deconstructed as a group by physically enacting it and exploring it through images, monologue and dialogue. Individuals can participate as much or as little as they like. WARNING – this is NOT psychodrama!!! We do not analyse individuals or offer expert advice, we simply look at the struggle together and open dialogue into what are the obstacles and what may be ways of overcoming them.
Cop-in-the-head:
Similar to Rainbow of Desire, this technique focuses on internalized oppressions rather than those we experienced in relation to others. Whose voice is it really telling us to act or not act? Again, the group explores and investigates possibilities and alternatives, creating a space for transformation and increased self-awareness.
ABOVE: Augusto Boal (pictured with Erika Jacobson) explaining and acting out his techniques.