“In the Theatre of the Oppressed, though, theatre becomes a tool of empowerment. The boundary between actor and spectator is broken down. Spectators become active participants in the performance; instead of spectators, they become spect-actors. They can intervene in the play – suggest alternative acts for the actors to perform, or they can get onto stage themselves and act. Actors, on the other hand, become jokers – facilitators, encouraging spectators to become spect-actors, and acting out roles that spect-actors ask them to (Boal, 1974/1979).”
About
Jeff Watson is an artist, designer, and Assistant Professor of Interactive Media and Games at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.
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