Theatre of the Oppressed

Theatre of the Oppressed—Augusto Boal

© 1974 © 1979 English Translation

Translation by Charles A. & Maria-Odilia Leal McBride

Section 1: Aristotle’s Coercive System of Tragedy: Part Two

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            The detail which Boal provides in his layering of Aristotle’s thoughts and reflections is effective. His structure offers a strong basis for his contention that theatre is a device with which the aristocracy—those in power—can control society.  There are very clear roles that are assumed, not only by the characters of a play, but by all the participants, actors and audience alike.  Since Aristotle’s time, the model has been perpetuated and there seems to be a comfort in the recognition of the roles one must assume when engaged in theatre.

What Boal has offered in describing the Aristotelian system of coercive tragedy is the model of theatre most familiar with anyone who has studied the craft.  Yes, theatre is meant to convey a story/topic/theme.  Yes, theatre is meant to elicit a reaction from the audience (spectators).  Yes, theatre is even meant to be cathartic.  It is supposed to offer an opportunity for the spectator to question and consider the world through a new or different lens with minimal risk needed to act. Boal, in his summation of section one, describes why a new model or poetic should be introduced in order for theatre as a devise for societal transformation to be powerful.

As long as we are conditioned to expect the structure that Aristotle presents, we will have a difficult time regaining what the art of theatre was originally intended to achieve. Theatre was meant to be an all-inclusive art in which all people in a community had a voice in the story, the direction of the content, and the outcome of what was being presented. In reflecting on the traditional theatrical model presented, it is easy to see how the spectators have become passive.  The performers are doing all the work!  And they are stage-managed by forces that control the message and how it is communicated. In the continuation of his work, I expect Boal to provide alternative views to the Aristotelian formula.  From these alternatives, there is the prospect of new strategies for our society to recapture the previous intent of theatre.