Theatre of the Oppressed |  | Author: Augusto Boal
Creator: Charles A. McBride
Publisher: Theatre Communications Group
Category: Book
List Price: $15.95
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Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 87593
Media: Paperback
Pages: 208
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.9
ISBN: 0930452496
Dewey Decimal Number: 792
EAN: 9780930452490
ASIN: 0930452496
Publication Date: January 1, 1993
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com Review
Is the fundamental relationship between an actor and an audience an equal and active one, or is it a situation that encourages passivity and division? This is the question at the heart of Augusto Boal's revolutionary Theatre of the Oppressed, originally published in 1979. Boal, a Brazilian artist and activist, has written a work that challenges the very premise of Western theater, starting with Aristotle and the first dramatists, and explores what social constructs lie behind the traditional theater form. Then, having explained such often invoked (but rarely scrutinized) terms as imitation, tragedy, and justice, he puts forward a new type of drama that bridges the long-existing gap between theater and politics. Central to his thesis is an attempt to bring spectators into an active role with the drama, encouraging them to comment on the social situations they see presented and suggest potentials for change. Other chapters explore the writings of Hegel and Brecht, along with a lengthy analysis of one of the most profound political thinkers to ever pen a play, Machiavelli and his bitter comedy Mandragola. Boal's book is a challenging one for American actors often politically naive and heavily schooled in the traditions of Stanislavsky-based "naturalism," but this text is vital reading for activists, progressives, and all artists trying to effect social change. --John Longenbaugh
Product Description
This unique resource for students, teachers and practitioners offers a series of games to illustrate techniques, acts as a mutlimedia encyclopaedia tracing the context and historical development of Theatre of the Oppressed.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 6
 Inspiration for the Artist January 13, 2000
a.a. (chicago)
30 out of 31 found this review helpful
Perhaps the pursuit of art in this world of massive economic, social and legal inequality is simply privileged playing and bemusement? Perhaps art has no valued, but as marketable, profitable entertainment? Or, perhaps art (and specifically theatre) can actually change the world? Boal is not the first to speak of theater's revolutionary quality, but unlike his predecessors he takes to the street with his theory. Tracing the relationship between the producers of theatre and its audience, Boal exposes the historical oppression imposed by the dramatic machine/conventions of the past. In its place he offers theoretical and practical examples of his "People's theatre" (i.e., paratheatre or interactive theatre). For all seriously minded artist this is a must read. Especially if you wish to understand your role in artistic production and also wish to make a difference with you work.
Inspiring and educational May 28, 2010
Lark (NYC)
I bought this book for my husband who is in education as well as an aspiring playwright. He's always been interested in how theatre can have social impact, and this book addresses that. I haven't read the book, but he is raving about how good it is, educational, inspiring, etc.
Blow MY MIND! May 14, 2007
J. Self (All over)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Buy this. I know that isn't a sentence but wow. This is a life changing work. If you care the minutest bit about theatre, mankind, and the future of both (together and seperate) then feast here. Also, a side benifit is listening to Boal argue AGAINST The Poetics. Good stuff. The begining is a little slow because he begins by very carefully setting up examples and definitions before he begins to explain his actual work and theory. This is nessisary and impressive (citing some ancient Greek philosophers to whom I had never been introduced). I think this book handed me some special x-ray glasses to look through the clothing of our contemporary American theatre. Get yourself a pare.
Thought provoking, educational, exciting July 11, 2009
Blue Roses (Portland, OR USA)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
The first two sections (analyzing Aristotle's Poetics and Brecht's aesthetics), while long, dense and confusing, make clear Boal's argument for the necessity of a change in theater practice if it's going to be a vehicle of change. It also cleared up my ancient philosophy course from college. I'm glad he's written other books, because the actual information about theatre of the oppressed tends to be thin and abstract, and since it's so different from anything I've ever done or seen, more examples would have been helpful. Still, he never wastes words, and it is such a rich subject that I know I'll understand more when I reread it. Highly recommended.
Extra Credit January 13, 2007
Sumner Alsace (NY, NY USA)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This should be required reading in our theatre schools, but is generally relegated to the extra credit section of additional reading. Boal expounds some brilliant concepts that should be considered by all contempoary theatre practitioners. Serious theatre goers should read this text as well.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 6
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