Applied Theatre Trainings

Theatre of the Oppressed Trainings

Drawing on our nearly twenty-five years of experience, our trainings offer a balanced praxis — emphasizing both theory and concrete applications in the real world.

Our Theatre of the Oppressed (T.O.) trainings are designed for application with both adults and youth. They include Community-building Games, Image Theatre, Forum Theatre, Rainbow of Desire, and Cop-in-the-Head, among other techniques.

Systematic oppression theory is embedded along with practices of deep listening and theatrical artistry. In longer trainings, we discuss historical context, the art of the Joker (facilitator), as well as applications in the field. Optional public Forum Theatre performance may be presented.

Introduction to Playback Theatre

Playback Theatre (PT), also known as “theatre of compassion”, is one of the most widely known and utilized forms of interactive social change theatre. This experiential workshop draws on an anti-oppression framework and offers participants a basic introduction to some of its key parts: deep listening, ritual theatre, ensemble work and the embodiment of feelings. Also included, applications of PT in social justice contexts. Learn fun ways to create authentic connections and whet or refresh your Playback Theatre appetite. 

Combine Theatre of the Oppressed
& Playback Theatre

A unique training opportunity, we present dynamic ways in which Playback and T.O. can be used in conjunction with each other — particularly to work directly around issues of social justice. When brought together, T.O. and Playback can generate profound transformation on multiple levels.

“Playback Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed are similar yet different. I see each form as coming into the house from a different door but meeting in a common living room. –Hannah Fox, New York School of Playback Theatre

Both forms work from people’s real life experiences. One difference is Playback Theatre honors and serves the Teller’s story whereas T.O. uses personal stories as a springboard for the collective exploration.

T.O. tends to have a more socio-political / action focus and serves individuals in the process. In contrast Playback Theatre, originally created for therapeutic and artistic purposes, has recently focused more on social change. Both forms are interactive; both forms use physical imagery and improvisation; and both forms create a space for people to tell, listen, and heal.

Start your own Interactive
Theatre Group

Informed by over two decades of experience running interactive theatre ensembles, we offer training and mentorship to begin and sustain a Theatre of the Oppressed or Playback Theatre ensemble. Depending on the experience and needs of the group, focus can include: T.O. or Playback Theatre techniques, creating Forum Theatre plays, acting and improvisation skills, Facilitator (T.O. Joker or Playback Conductor) skills, ensemble development, anti-oppression theory, program consultation, business development, and more.