Theatre of the Oppressed: An experiential and relational workshop playfully exploring action

Join Creative Arts Therapist, Su Mei Tan, with co-facilitators, Diego Fajardo, and Julia Neubauer from Art Tearapy who bring this unique opportunity to engage with concepts and participatory tools for transformation from Theatre of The Oppressed. The Theatre of the Oppressed is a participatory theatre that fosters democratic and cooperative forms of interaction among participants and invites people to become “spect-actors,” capable of taking action and using theatre as a rehearsal space for social transformation. The Theatre of the Oppressed is part of the lifetime work of Brazilian theatre practitioner Augusto Boal. 

This experiential workshop explores the role of play in relational experiences and social engagement, as well as fostering self-awareness and collective action through Boal-inspired embodied activities. It will integrate a wide variety of games, exercises, and theatrical tools that promote and invite transformation from a passive to an active stance, nurturing self-discovery, community action and re-connection with the body. Such practices are designed to be accessible to everyone without requiring previous performing experience, therefore, this inclusivity is rooted in the dual meaning of ‘act’ in Boal’s work: to perform and to take action, which is considered the heart of his work.  

This workshop is crafted for therapeutic arts practitioners, students, artists and theatre makers, allied health professionals, and anyone interested in embodied practices and social transformation.

What to Expect
• Relational games and connection: interact and discover the power of connection and collective actions in the exploration and transformation journey.
• Experiential exploration: experiment with yourself on the potential and positive impact Boal’s ideas and techniques might have on everyday life.
• Playful embodiment: you will be invited to experiment with embodiment on your rhythm through games and exercises.
• Creative reflection: consider and reflect on your experience in a creative way that suits you and contributes to meaningfully symbolising your discoveries

A Certificate of Attendance will be issued after the workshop

Materials:

The workshop will involve embodied movement (note: this might include movement such as walking, lying down or intentional actions with others. This workshop does NOT involve dance, choreography or any performative action). 

To Bring:

Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a journal, pen and hydration. (All other materials will be supplied).

About the Facilitators:

Art Tearapy is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering healing, resilience, and community empowerment through creative arts therapy. With a focus on supporting migrants, refugees, First Nations people, and marginalized communities, Art Tearapy integrates art, movement, performance, and tea rituals to create trauma-informed and culturally affirming spaces for self-expression and well-being. Su Mei Tan, Diego Fajardo, and Julia Neubauer are part of the team working to cultivate a nurturing environment where individuals can explore creativity, process experiences, and reconnect with their inner strength.