Exploring Theatre Oppression

Lesson Overview

Subject: Drama
Unit: Boal’s Theatre Techniques Exploration (Lesson 1 of 6)
Curriculum Area: A-Level / Key Stage 4 (GCSE Drama) – Component: Understanding Drama and Practitioners
Lesson Duration: 60 Minutes
Class Size: 20 Students

Lesson Intent

In this session, students will develop an understanding of Augusto Boal’s background and explore the fundamental concepts of Theatre of the Oppressed. Students will consider how theatre can be a powerful tool in social change and will engage in practical exercises derived from Boal’s techniques.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:
✅ Understand who Augusto Boal was and his contributions to theatre.
✅ Discuss the purpose and impact of Theatre of the Oppressed.
✅ Engage in introductory exercises that demonstrate Boal’s techniques.

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Lesson Breakdown

Starter Activity (10 minutes) – Provoking Thought Through Theatre

1. Quickfire Discussion (5 minutes)

   • Write the question "Can theatre change society?" on the board.
   • Ask students to reflect for one minute silently, then turn to their partner and share thoughts for two minutes.
   • Open the floor and gather initial opinions.

2. Word Association (5 minutes)

   • On the board, write the word "oppression" in the centre.
   • Ask students to come up one by one and write a word related to oppression (e.g., injustice, power, resistance, silence).
   • Discuss briefly: What does oppression mean in today’s world? How might theatre engage with this theme?

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Main Teaching (15 minutes) – Introducing Augusto Boal

1. Who Was Augusto Boal? (5 minutes)

   • Present key facts about Boal using a short, engaging talk:
     • Brazilian theatre director, practitioner, and political activist.
     • Created Theatre of the Oppressed in response to political repression.
     • Influenced by Bertolt Brecht and Paulo Freire’s ideas on education.
     • Believed theatre should not be used only for entertainment but as a tool for empowerment.

2. Theatre of the Oppressed Overview (10 minutes)

   • Explain that this theatrical movement is designed to engage everyday people in resisting oppression.
   • Highlight the Three Core Ideas:
     ✅ The Audience as Spect-Actors: Removing the traditional division between performers and audience.
     ✅ Theatre as Rehearsal for Reality: Using drama to practise real-world change.
     ✅ Empowerment through Participation: Encouraging dialogues rather than conclusions.
   • Show a simple example of a real-life scenario where Theatre of the Oppressed was used (e.g., Boal’s Invisible Theatre in public spaces).

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Practical Exploration (25 minutes) – Boal’s Introductory Exercises

Exercise 1: Yes, Let’s! (7 minutes)

• This energetic game introduces Boal’s philosophy of collective action.
• One student says “Let’s [action]!” (e.g., “Let’s swim in a river!”). Everyone responds, “Yes, let’s!” and mimics the action.
• Continue the game, allowing different students to suggest actions.
• Discuss: How does this build trust and remove individual inhibition?

Exercise 2: Colombian Hypnosis (10 minutes)

• Pair students. One partner (Leader) holds their hand in front of the Follower’s face.
• The Leader moves their hand, and the Follower must stay the same distance from it at all times, creating a hypnotic effect.
• Swap roles.
• Reflect: What does this exercise teach us about power and control?

Exercise 3: Frozen Images (8 minutes)

• In groups of four, students create frozen images that represent a moment of oppression (e.g., school pressure, censorship, discrimination).
• Each group presents their image.
• Discuss: What emotions are conveyed? Who holds power in each image? How could these scenes be "unfrozen" to create change?

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Plenary (10 minutes) – Reflect & Discuss

1. Group Discussion:

   • “What surprised you about today’s exercises?”
   • “How did it feel to be in a position of power/control in these games?”
   • “How can theatre help us challenge oppression in real life?”

2. Exit Task:

   • Write one sentence on a sticky note responding to:
     • What is one thing you learned today that you had never thought about before?
   • Stick it on the reflection board before leaving.

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Assessment Opportunities

✔ Informal verbal assessments through discussions.
✔ Observation of engagement in practical exercises.
✔ Peer reflection and self-analysis through group conversations and sticky note exit task.

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Differentiation & Inclusion

🔹 Encourage quieter students to contribute via written responses.
🔹 Adjust exercises by offering observer roles for those who prefer.
🔹 Support students with additional processing time in reflection activities.

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Next Lesson Preview

"Exploring Image Theatre"

• Next lesson, students will deepen their understanding by engaging in Boal’s Image Theatre, using tableaux to explore societal power dynamics.

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This structured, engaging lesson ensures students begin their journey into Boal’s techniques with both theoretical and practical exploration. By involving students in active participation and reflective questioning, this approach fosters deeper learning and encourages critical thinking about theatre as a tool for social change.