Theatre as a Tool for Justice and Peace Advocacy

Throughout my journey at the School of Peace 2023, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and skills. In this reflection, I will focus on one particular session that left a profound impact on me: "Theatre as a Tool for Justice and Peace Advocacy." This session enlightened me on the immense potential of utilizing theater in the process of advocating for justice and peace.

First and foremost, the session provided a comprehensive understanding of what theater truly encompasses. Theater, as I discovered, is a form of performing art that enables individuals to express and convey messages through captivating displays. Moreover, the session introduced Augusto Boal, a visionary who explored various forms of theater, and Paulo Freire, whose teachings greatly influenced Boal's work.

One of the pivotal concepts I grasped during the session was the notion of "Theatre of the Oppressed." This form of theater sheds light on scenes of oppression that plague communities. To put theory into practice, my team and I engaged in an activity centered around this theme. Together, we devised a compelling play that depicted the oppression prevalent in our own community, caused by both the military and the state. Utilizing the techniques of image theater, we presented two distinct portrayals—one reflecting the oppressive reality and the other portraying an ideal community. Image theater, I learned, is characterized by static performances that highlight specific scenes or issues.

In addition to Image Theatre, we also delved into the concept of  Forum Theater. This interactive form of theater encouraged us to perform a forum theater piece as a team. Our chosen topic revolved around bullying in schools. Collaboratively, we rehearsed and perfected our drama, which we then showcased to our fellow participants. What made this experience unique was that the audience played the role of “spectactors,” but also had the opportunity to actively participate in the drama, offering suggestions and showcasing their desired solutions for positive change. To foster a sense of camaraderie, all the teams performed their respective dramas, and we actively engaged in each other's performances.

The session not only introduced me to the power of theater as a tool for advocacy, but it also provided me with practical insights into its application. I realized that I, too, could utilize theater to address the pressing conflict issues within my community. This newfound understanding has ignited a passion within me to explore theater further and delve deeper into its methodologies. I am eager to study and learn more about the various theater tools and techniques available.

Furthermore, the session instilled in me a curiosity to discover organizations that apply theater forum practices to raise awareness and combat social issues. I aspire to investigate these organizations and learn from their experiences, gaining inspiration and guidance for my future advocacy endeavors.

In conclusion, my experience in the session on "Theatre as a Tool for Justice and Peace Advocacy" was transformative. It unveiled the immense potential of theater as a means to advocate for justice, peace, and social change. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I have acquired, and I am excited to continue exploring this dynamic field, applying theater tools to contribute meaningfully to my community and beyond.