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B1. Participatory Theatre
Participatory theatre, which also goes by a number of other names such as community-based theatre and
theatre for development, is a low-cost, community-driven process that can be a very effective way to
explore multi-stakeholder partnerships. It uses simple exercises to encourage self-discovery, reflection,
interaction, and action amongst the actors and audience alike. It does not require sets, lighting, props, or
formal training or experience with acting. Overall, participatory theatre is a social and political tool. It aims
to empower ordinary people to become agents of change to address power imbalances, pursue collective
visions, and resolve conflicts.
"Theatre is a form of knowledge: It should and can also be a means of
transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future, rather than
just wait for it." ~ Augusto Boal, creator of “Theatre of the Oppressed”
Participatory theatre is a fun and
Participatory theatre exercises relate strongly to the senses
effective way to help people
and can be easily used by people who have never thought
understand other’s perspectives,
of themselves as actors.
motivations, and intentions. It can
They aim to help people find new ways to see, listen,
help people transcend social
touch, express, and experience to explore opportunities for
boundaries
to
express
their
social change.
emotions and opinions more openly.
Each person will experience and relate to them differently.
Interactions are less formal and
They should always be adapted to local circumstances and
often elicit surprising outcomes that
sensitivities.
can foster a more collaborative and
creative atmosphere for addressing Box 26: Key points to remember when facilitating participatory theatre
issues of mutual concern.
exercises
Also see the tool on Legislative Theatre in Part I: Section III/C3
Additional participatory theatre tools, including warm-up exercises and sample role plays, are available
on www.community-protocols.org/toolkit
Key Resources on Participatory Theatre
Participatory Theatre for Conflict Transformation: Training Manual (Search for Common Ground)
Performance and Participation (IIED Participatory Learning and Action Journal, Issue 29, 1997)
Act, Learn and Teach: Theatre, HIV and AIDS Toolkit for Youth in Africa (UNESCO and CCIVS, 2006)
TOOL: Forum Theatre
Purpose: This tool can be adapted and used to explore inter-personal dynamics and people’s ideas
about how to improve the outcomes of a problematic scenario. It encourages dialogue and constructive
action between people with different opinions or approaches to the same issue.
Resource: Adapted from material provided by Afghanistan Human Rights and Democracy Organization
o
Work with a small group of about 3-5 people to prepare a short scenario about a particular
problem or conflict that is relevant to the community and involves external actors. An example is
provided in Box 27.