CTSJ 271 Theatre for Social Justice

This is a hands-on introduction to the practice, history, and theories of theatre and social change. Through theatre and diversity exercises, improvisation, discussion, and readings, students will explore diverse theatrical strategies for promoting social justice - from Brazilian Theatre, Activist and Theatre of the Oppressed, Pioneer, Augusto Boal’s groundbreaking Forum, Legislative and Invisible Theatre techniques, to Los Angeles-based Fringe Benefits' award-winning Collaboratively Devised Activist Theatre, to Artist-in-Community and Political Theatre work throughout the world. We will grapple with such questions as: what is the relationship between art and ideology? What is the role of the artist in relationship to the community? How can marginalized groups use theatre to form a collective voice? How can performance serve to raise our consciousness? How can art empower communities and individuals, providing tools for agency? Can theatre provide unique opportunities for expression in a world of mass media? Students will integrate theory and practice through a collaborative, in-class, full-group project addressing an on-campus social justice issue and through Individual Project Proposals addressing a social justice issue of personal interest.