Information on Forum Theatre, developed by Augusto Boal

Forum Theatre, as developed by Augusto Boal, is a fascinating, dynamic form of interactive theatre. It empowers the audience to become active participants, or "spect-actors," in the performance, allowing them to suggest and enact changes to the events onstage. This creates a collaborative environment where the audience and actors co-construct the narrative.

The roles of the protagonist and antagonist are central to Forum Theatre. The protagonist faces obstacles and resistance from the antagonists, and the audience helps navigate these challenges. The facilitator, known as the "Joker," plays a crucial role in guiding the process, maintaining neutrality and encouraging audience participation.

Boal's concept of metaxis, where the aesthetic space bridges lived experiences and fictional scenarios, is key to understanding the transformative potential of Forum Theatre. This space allows participants to explore and reflect on their beliefs, habits and social relationships, fostering a deeper understanding and sensemaking.

In organisational settings, Forum Theatre can serve as a powerful tool for reflection and action, helping to uncover hidden aspects of reality and encouraging active engagement from the audience. This aligns with the idea of theatre as a space for raising awareness and exploring multiple meanings and possibilities.

Forum Theatre offers a unique and impactful way to engage with social and cultural issues, making it a valuable method for collective learning and sensemaking.

Further information:

Boal, A. (1992). Games for actors and non-actors (A. Jackson, Trans.). Routledge.

Boal, A. (1995). The rainbow of desire (A. Jackson, Trans.). Routledge.

Boal, A. (1996). Politics, education and change. In J. O'Toole & K. Donelan (Eds.), Drama, culture and empowerment (pp. 47-52). IDEA Publications.

Pässilä, A., Oikarinen, T., Parjanen, S., & Harmaakorpi, V. (2013). Interpretative dimension of user‐driven service innovation: Forum Theatre in facilitating renewal in Finnish public health care. Baltic Journal of Management, 8(2), 166-182.