Forum Theatre, another tool we use in our trainings. A technique pioneered by Brazilian radical Augusto Boal, Forum Theatre explores real life situations where no solution seems to be in sight, showing how real people could change the situation to enable a different outcome. Several alternatives may be explored by replacing the protagonist, while other actors remain in character, improvising their responses. The point is to REPLACE the protagonist, not tell (or preach) what to do or what can be done. Because the experience is as important as the outcome. The strategy breaks through the barrier between performers and audience, putting them on an equal footing, building empathy, understanding and synergy. It enables participants to try out courses of action which could be applicable to their everyday lives and at work. Originally the technique was developed by Boal as a political tool for change (part of the Theatre of the Oppressed), but has been widely adapted for use in educational contexts, and now, in corporate Learning & Development. A facilitator (Joker) is necessary to enable communication between the players and the audience. And we play that role to the hilt! Of course, our background in Art-Based trainings, psychodrama, TA and NLP help shape the debrief, to arrive at some startling and deeply impactful results. And it is fantastic to see corporate senior managers take it up readily, adapt to the new methodology, and enact powerfully and with sensitivity and understanding. To Augusto Boal, the man, the vision, the soul. https://youtube/watch?v=y5cYAz6n4Ag
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 03:53:12 +0000
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