Theatre of the Oppressed

Become a Joker.

For Teachers, Directors, Theatre Devisers & Other Cultural Fieldworkers.

...more than a course about performance it is a course that teaches people about the art of living and responding to the world as a creative being."
- 2009 participant Paul Bishop, Actor & Creator of Arts Evolution

Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) was established in the early 1970s by director/political activist Augusto Boal, for people engaged in the struggle for liberation - both against external/societal oppressors and inside their own minds. It seeks to be a "rehearsal for the revolution" for people who want to effect change in their own lives and those of their communities.

The Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble's intensive includes fun, energetic, practical group exercises and forms (including Image Theatre, Forum Theatre, Rainbow of Desire, Cop-in-the-Head and other Games for Actors and Non-actors); plus opportunities to practice Jokering and participatory discussions of TO history, philosophy and pedagogy.

Training is led by QSE Artistic Director Dr Rob Pensalfini, who leads TO workshops for teachers' groups, schools, universities and most recently presented a workshop for the 2010 Australian and New Zealand Shakespeare Association conference. Rob is a Senior Lecturer in Linguistics and Drama at the University of Queensland, a Designated Linklater voice teacher and an experienced actor and director of Shakespeare.

In June 2010 Rob trained with Julian Boal at the 16th Annual Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed Conference, where he also presented on the Ensemble's prison program. Rob has trained extensively with noted US Joker Brent Blair, and together they pioneered the first prison project to combine TO and Shakespeare. The Prison Project is now an ongoing part of the Ensemble's activities.

  • Dates: Five days: July 25 - 29 (Wednesday to Sunday) 2012
  • Times: 9am - 5pm
  • Venue: Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio, University of Queensland
  • Cost: $350 Full / $325 Concession
  • Early Bird Discount: pay in full by 13th June and pay $300

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: To book, fill out our handy online registration form.

Two Indigenous artist scholarships are available - the ideal scholarship recipient is an experienced indigenous artist, 18 years or older, with interests in performance, group work and socio-political change. Scholarship recipients are expected to attend all of each of the 5 sessions, fill out a feedback form at the end, and contact QSE within the following year to report on how the work has affected your practice. To apply, e-mail pensalfi@bigpond.net.au your name, phone numbers (including mobile), a CV or detailed account of your performance and other relevant experience, and information about why you're interested in Theatre of the Oppressed. APPLICATION DEADLINE TO BE ANNOUNCED.

For more information about Augusto Boal and Theatre of the Oppressed, visit www.theatreoftheoppressed.org.