Theatre of the Oppressed (T.O.) is a powerful tool for social change, created by Brazilian theatre visionary and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Augusto Boal. Initially developed through Boal’s work with peasant and worker populations in Latin America, T.O. has expanded globally and is used for activism, conflict resolution, community building, therapy, and influencing legislation. It invites active participation from the audience, transforming them into “spect-actors” who collectively analyze and act on societal issues rather than remaining passive spectators. The core aim of T.O. is to foster critical thinking and empower individuals to take action.
T.O. utilizes a range of theatrical techniques, each designed to address different aspects of oppression. These methods include games, Image Theatre, Forum Theatre, and other creative forms, all aimed at uncovering and challenging societal injustices.
Through the Colours of the Oppressed (TTCOTO), a project led by Synchro Foundation and 11 partner organizations across the EU, aimed to introduce young professionals—such as youth workers, educators, and mentors—to T.O. methodologies. The project focused on providing training in T.O. tools and artistic pedagogy to equip participants with the skills to address societal issues and oppression in local communities. The training included identifying sources of oppression and applying T.O. techniques in a safe, inclusive environment. Participants were encouraged to engage with marginalized groups, fueling their curiosity to support youth more effectively.
The resulting booklet shares insights from 11 local phases of the project, offering practical guidance on adapting T.O. methods to different target groups. It serves as a resource for those looking to create impactful, context-specific workshops. As Boal said, “Theater can help us build our future, rather than waiting for it.”
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
