Overview
This course introduces participants to the pedagogy, principles, and theoretical foundations of Theatre of the Oppressed, an influential applied theatre practice developed by Augusto Boal. Through practical exercises and critical engagement with key thinkers such as Paulo Freire, Karl Marx, and Bertolt Brecht, participants explore how theatre can be used as a tool for dialogue, reflection, and social transformation. The course examines the nature and complexities of oppression while developing practical skills in techniques such as Image Theatre, Forum Theatre, and Jokering. By combining theory with performance-based learning, participants build the confidence and critical awareness needed to facilitate participatory theatre processes that encourage dialogue, critical thinking, and collective action. A quality-assured certificate from the University of the Witwatersrand is issued on successful completion.
