Theatre of Oppressed is more than entertainment! When someone says theatre, we imagine an actor standing on a stage and performing a well-practised play.
But what if I tell you, it’s more than that? There is beauty hidden in things and for me, theatre is one of them.
Perhaps, you are wondering if it is really that meaningful. I mean, is it just a performance in the end? I am here to tell you it’s more than that.
An artist, when he/she stands on the stage signifies the beauty of freedom of expression, a theatre artist for me is a symbol of freedom. How do you ask?
Because on the stage, you are speaking. You speak about things people are afraid to talk about.
An actor who acts like a maniac or a romantic resonates with the audience somewhere. You act and speak what the audience secretly wishes for as long as they can remember, but they feel that through you.
You provide them with an outlet and it’s cathartic.
To the initiated, theatre is a tool.
Throughout history, the theatre has been used to address issues people are afraid to talk about.
Since the performing arts were conceived, addressing issues in society has always been at the forefront.
Theatre of Oppression
Take the theatre of oppression, for instance, it addresses social and political issues in society.
But here’s the twist, in the theatre of oppressed, the audience are not just spectators, rather they are spect-actors.
Because, in the theatre of the oppressed, the audience is encouraged to partake in the ongoing performance, to transform the reality they are looking at through analyzing and active participation.
But that’s not all, there is a joker here. No not the famous Batman arch-nemesis Joker, but rather a Joker similar to the deck of cards.
This joker is neutral and chooses to simply guide the spect-actors into solving the problem as realistically as possible despite being in a fictional space.
This joker is not allowed to comment and he must not, will not interfere.
He is simply responsible for the logistics of the process and ensures a fair proceeding.
It’s quite a simple thing, but very efficient.
Because it reminds those spect-actors that they are the power, that if they wish to make a change, they need to rise up and take charge – under the social guidelines established by our society.
So?
We feel great when we listen to stories about change, social justice, and righting a wrong.
Everyone likes to hear stories about heroes, about warriors, but nobody wants to be one.
But I am not asking you to be a hero, rather I am only asking you to learn that your power always lies with you.
Just don’t be a side character in your own story, be the protagonist – the lead.
Storytime
I once knew a kid, who was shy, and afraid of judgment and rejection. His grades weren’t that great either.
His family situation was probably not that great, and he wallowed in self-pity because at that time, that was the best he could do or so he thought.
This kid wanted to change his life but was scared about what could happen if he tried.
A few years later, when I saw this kid, there he was standing upright, confident. Shaking hands with a smile on his face, and to my amazement, he was doing well in his life.
His relationship with his family improved for the better, not the best but better.
I was curious, what inspired the sudden change?
When I asked, he simply told me that there came a time in his life when he gave up any hope for a better life. He lived in despair.
But one day, he decided that it was enough, he was done waiting for a saviour, he was done waiting for a hero.
He no longer wanted to be at the mercy of the world, he chose to simply do whatever he could to improve his life.
He started focusing on improving one aspect of his being which could invariably help him in other areas of his life.
And guess what? His life was now changed, he lived in 5-star hotels, partied hard, drove fast cars or whatever he felt like. No! But someday he just might.
Rather, his grades improved, and he got confident enough to talk with 5 people at a time instead of one. He was never afraid again, nervous maybe but not afraid.
This could only happen when he realised, that the power of change lies within him. He realised he was powerful.
The End?
You may believe it or not, but none of us is weak. None of us is helpless.
Do not get me wrong though, helpless situations are very real, but in any situation, you will always have your own power.
How to use it? It’s your decision entirely, and your responsibility.
Because, each one of us, has a place in this world, each one of us shapes the world around us.
As the boy or the spec-actors in the theatre of oppressed, take control of your situation.
Take control of yourself, and your actions and re-define your world, and your life and maybe, just maybe, things will improve than they were yesterday.
And if you are wondering who was this kid? I would simply say, does it really matter?
Just like the theatre of oppressed takes power and gives it back to you, the people.
Rise up and take your power, individual or social. Remember, that despite all the odds and unpredictability of life, you exist.
That life goes on, Warrior!
