Forum theatre is a type of theatre that not only allows the actors to express their creativeness on the set, but also allows the audience to get involved. The audience is given the chance to interrupt the performance and position themselves in the play to  try different strategies that will change the action — for the better.

The play is created with people who have experienced this issue, and presents problematic scenarios that end in a dilemma.  The actors do not offer solutions.  This deliberately stimulates audience members into action.  
 
The audience views the short play once, seeing the problems. Some scenes are then repeated.  This second time through any spectator can stop the action and replace the oppressed character – someone who is made to think, feel or do something other than what they want to -- to try to affect a positive change.  The spectator becomes the participant whose purpose is to offer alternative behaviour choices and create a more positive outcome.  
 
Facilitators (called Jokers)  emcee the performances; their key role is to lead short lively discussions after audience interventions; did the idea work or not… and why?  Will it solve anything?  We explore relationships that lead to conflict, violence and oppression. And we learn about many different ways of preventing and/or dealing with a situation.  We’ll discover alternate choices.
 
As a result, people are given the opportunity to critically observe and analyze behaviours, gain knowledge needed in everyday life to resolve conflicts, negotiate relationships and avoid risk, and thereby gain problem-solving skills. Participants and spectators gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics and relationships within the issue.

We’ve created and produced forums about such issues as lack of affordable housing, unemployment, racism, sexual harassment in the workplace, peer pressure, lesbian vampirism, alcohol and drug abuse, bullying, parent-child relationships, dating relationships, employment issues of people with disabilities, teacher-student problems, and more.

Check out our forum theatre play Far From the Heart »

For more information about forum theatre, Google  “Augusto Boal” and “Forum Theatre”.

To book a workshop and create your own Theatre Forum about issues your community faces, please contact us:  sheatre@sheatre.com.  We’d gladly travel to your location.    

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