Playing Boal

Playing Boalis the first book in English to examine the dramatic techniques of Augusto Boal, internationally renowned Brazilian theatre maker, political activist and founder of the Theatre of the Oppressed. Influenced by Paulo Freire's dialogic philosophy of education, Boal's dramatic techniques are designed to transform passive spectators into engaged participants working for personal and social change. Educators, political activists, therapists and social workers devoted to critical thought and action have used his techniques to address issues ranging from racism and sexism to loneliness and political impotence. Playing Boallooks at the use of Theatre of the Oppressed exercises by a variety of practitioners and scholars working in Europe and North America. It explores the possibilities of these tools for active learning and personal empowerment, cooperative education and healing, participatory theatre and community action. A fascinatingcollection,Playing Boalwill encourage discussion about Augusto Boal's work and the transformative potential of theatre. It also includes two interviews with Boal and two pieces of his own writing, making it the most comprehensive and in-depth volume to date on Boal's work. Contributors include Philip Auslander, Alistair Campbell, David Diamond, Daniel Feldhendler, Berenice Fisher, Julie Salverson, Richard Schechner, Pam Schweitzer, Lib Spry and Michael Taussig.