Theatre for Change Galway draws profound inspiration from Augusto Boal, a Brazilian theatre director and visionary. Boal, born in Rio de Janeiro in 1931, pioneered the Theatre of the Oppressed (T.O.) – a revolutionary form of participatory theatre that seeks to promote social and political change.
Boal’s belief was that theatre should be a dialogue between audience and performer, a tool for empowerment and a means of effecting real change in the world. He envisioned spectators as “spect-actors,” actively shaping the performance and, by extension, their reality. His methods encourage participants to explore, analyze, and transform the world around them through theatre.
Theatre for Change Galway has embraced Boal’s vision, using T.O. to engage with social issues in a unique and impactful way. Boal’s techniques, particularly Forum Theatre, have been integral to their work, enabling participants to rehearse real-life actions during workshops and performances. This practice has not only inspired their artistic methodology but also influenced their organizational ethos – cultivating an environment where every voice has the power to advocate for change and where theatre becomes a dynamic space for social dialogue.
Augusto Boal’s legacy lives on through Theatre for Change Galway, as they continue to challenge, empower, and inspire individuals to use theatre as a catalyst for personal and societal transformation.
