Transformation through Play: Examining the Role of Theatre of the Oppressed on Empowerment

Abstract: Despite having been established since the 1970s as a school of theatre promoting a method of emancipation through facilitating communication about unequal power structures, Theatre of the Oppressed has not had not yet been comprehensively researched in terms of its emancipatory qualities. This paper examines a plethora of studies describing effective use of Theatre of the Oppressed while highlighting their reference to empowerment. 7 papers published on particular programmes in some regions of Australia, Africa and Asia connected to Theatre of the Oppressed from various journals have been reviewed. In effect, there appears to be some variance in the studies presented and the specific ways in which various organisations seek to employ Theatre of the Oppressed as a method for attaining specific goals.