The Development of Augusto Boal's Theatre

Abstract

The Brazilian theatre activist Augusto Boal developed a new system of theatre called “Theatre of the Oppressed”, in which the actor-spectator structure of theatre is annulled and the participants become spect-actors (active spectator) who must act out their ideas of persoanl and social change. Because of its practical nature, the work of Boal has influenced not only those in the field of theatre but also educators, political activists and social workers.

Howerver, after he moved from Latin America to North America and Europe, Boal seems to have focused more on therapeutic themes than political ones, that is to say, he shifted his interests from the social to the persoanl. Does this suggest an essential change in his theatrical philosophy?

The aim of this paper is to show by examining his activities from the earliest stage to the present that Boal's theatrical philosophy remains constant in spite of changes in techniques. His method continues to be open to social activities.