Description:
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars "Theater of the Oppressed: A Manual for Revolution (and Drama!)"
If you’ve ever wanted to combine your passion for theater with the art of overthrowing oppressive systems, Theater of the Oppressed by Augusto Boal is the book you didn’t know you needed. Think of it as part drama class, part activism guide, and part “Wait, am I a villain in my own story?” self-reflection session.Boal’s techniques are like the Swiss Army knife of social change: versatile, practical, and sharp enough to cut through centuries of systemic inequality. He takes the stage—literally—and turns it into a platform for empowerment. The book is packed with exercises, games, and philosophies designed to get people thinking, moving, and challenging the status quo.But fair warning: this isn’t a breezy read. It’s dense, theoretical, and at times feels like Boal wants you to organize a revolutionary flash mob by the end of chapter two. And yet, that’s part of the charm. He’s not here for passive readers; he’s here for doers.The interactive exercises are pure gold. "Forum Theater," where spectators become “spect-actors” and rewrite the narrative? Genius. The "Image Theater," where you use frozen poses to explore complex issues? Equal parts profound and an excuse to turn every meeting into a game of charades.In conclusion, Theater of the Oppressed is not just a book—it’s a call to action. It’ll make you laugh, cry, think, and probably want to grab your friends to rehearse dismantling systems of power. 9/10—would recommend to anyone who believes the world is a stage, and it’s high time we rewrote the script. 🎭✊
5.0 out of 5 stars Blow MY MIND!
Buy this. I know that isn't a sentence but wow. This is a life changing work. If you care the minutest bit about theatre, mankind, and the future of both (together and seperate) then feast here. Also, a side benifit is listening to Boal argue AGAINST The Poetics. Good stuff. The begining is a little slow because he begins by very carefully setting up examples and definitions before he begins to explain his actual work and theory. This is nessisary and impressive (citing some ancient Greek philosophers to whom I had never been introduced). I think this book handed me some special x-ray glasses to look through the clothing of our contemporary American theatre. Get yourself a pare.
5.0 out of 5 stars Good choice to get to know about this important Movement / Person
Details, back-story and more. Boal should be better known and celebrated, This book will reveal why.
5.0 out of 5 stars The Power of Theater (For Better or Worse).
Anyone interested in understanding how theater and, by extension, film and televison play a vital role in maintaining the status quo, should read Auguto Boal's book. Boal takes readers on a stroll through the history of drama, philosophy and politics, merging the three artforms into a powerful triumvirate. Boal then offers suggestions for a theater to counteract traditonal cultural ideological aparatuses. Theater of the Oppressed describes a theater of, for and by the oppressed to tell their own stories; a space wherein maginalized people's might reflect on their own concrete realities and contradictions; and an arena of practice in action, moving the oppressed, and those who identify with the oppressed, towards social transformation.
5.0 out of 5 stars Provocative read for anyone involved in theater
One of the most important questions you need to consider as an artist is the relationship between the work, and the audience. Boal provokes the question masterfully, and even if you don't agree with his thesis - that the "Aristotelian" approach, in which the audience is there to be manipulated and emotionally purged, and that theatre should rebel against this authoritarian relationship - he raises the question clearly. This is a book you should read, argue with, and discuss.
4.0 out of 5 stars More than expected.
It was recommended to me as a useful book for both thought and engaging young people. So far it seems to do just that.
5.0 out of 5 stars Anyone who cares more about the theatre than they do ...
Anyone who cares more about the theatre than they do about money, stars, star writers or directors, or the cult of personality that would have us believe that theatre is just entertainment, needs to read this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Book for Theatre Theorists
After teaching theatre for over 30 years, immersed in western theatre ideals, Boal's theories shifted my way of thinking upside down. He takes Aristotle's Poetics and makes a great argument against the politics/agenda of traditional approaches in theatre. Then shares his own "Poetics of the Oppressed"--using theatre as a weapon against the oppressions all of us face.
Five Stars
Thai is a masterpiece of its own kind. The Bible of alternative and people's theatre.
essential reading
a must read for any theatre maker
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Theatre of the Oppressed
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Visit the Theatre Communications Group Store
Theatre of the Oppressed
AED9191
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars "Theater of the Oppressed: A Manual for Revolution (and Drama!)"
If you’ve ever wanted to combine your passion for theater with the art of overthrowing oppressive systems, Theater of the Oppressed by Augusto Boal is the book you didn’t know you needed. Think of it as part drama class, part activism guide, and part “Wait, am I a villain in my own story?” self-reflection session.Boal’s techniques are like the Swiss Army knife of social change: versatile, practical, and sharp enough to cut through centuries of systemic inequality. He takes the stage—literally—and turns it into a platform for empowerment. The book is packed with exercises, games, and philosophies designed to get people thinking, moving, and challenging the status quo.But fair warning: this isn’t a breezy read. It’s dense, theoretical, and at times feels like Boal wants you to organize a revolutionary flash mob by the end of chapter two. And yet, that’s part of the charm. He’s not here for passive readers; he’s here for doers.The interactive exercises are pure gold. "Forum Theater," where spectators become “spect-actors” and rewrite the narrative? Genius. The "Image Theater," where you use frozen poses to explore complex issues? Equal parts profound and an excuse to turn every meeting into a game of charades.In conclusion, Theater of the Oppressed is not just a book—it’s a call to action. It’ll make you laugh, cry, think, and probably want to grab your friends to rehearse dismantling systems of power. 9/10—would recommend to anyone who believes the world is a stage, and it’s high time we rewrote the script. 🎭✊
5.0 out of 5 stars Blow MY MIND!
Buy this. I know that isn't a sentence but wow. This is a life changing work. If you care the minutest bit about theatre, mankind, and the future of both (together and seperate) then feast here. Also, a side benifit is listening to Boal argue AGAINST The Poetics. Good stuff. The begining is a little slow because he begins by very carefully setting up examples and definitions before he begins to explain his actual work and theory. This is nessisary and impressive (citing some ancient Greek philosophers to whom I had never been introduced). I think this book handed me some special x-ray glasses to look through the clothing of our contemporary American theatre. Get yourself a pare.
5.0 out of 5 stars Good choice to get to know about this important Movement / Person
Details, back-story and more. Boal should be better known and celebrated, This book will reveal why.
5.0 out of 5 stars The Power of Theater (For Better or Worse).
Anyone interested in understanding how theater and, by extension, film and televison play a vital role in maintaining the status quo, should read Auguto Boal's book. Boal takes readers on a stroll through the history of drama, philosophy and politics, merging the three artforms into a powerful triumvirate. Boal then offers suggestions for a theater to counteract traditonal cultural ideological aparatuses. Theater of the Oppressed describes a theater of, for and by the oppressed to tell their own stories; a space wherein maginalized people's might reflect on their own concrete realities and contradictions; and an arena of practice in action, moving the oppressed, and those who identify with the oppressed, towards social transformation.
5.0 out of 5 stars Provocative read for anyone involved in theater
One of the most important questions you need to consider as an artist is the relationship between the work, and the audience. Boal provokes the question masterfully, and even if you don't agree with his thesis - that the "Aristotelian" approach, in which the audience is there to be manipulated and emotionally purged, and that theatre should rebel against this authoritarian relationship - he raises the question clearly. This is a book you should read, argue with, and discuss.
4.0 out of 5 stars More than expected.
It was recommended to me as a useful book for both thought and engaging young people. So far it seems to do just that.
5.0 out of 5 stars Anyone who cares more about the theatre than they do ...
Anyone who cares more about the theatre than they do about money, stars, star writers or directors, or the cult of personality that would have us believe that theatre is just entertainment, needs to read this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Book for Theatre Theorists
After teaching theatre for over 30 years, immersed in western theatre ideals, Boal's theories shifted my way of thinking upside down. He takes Aristotle's Poetics and makes a great argument against the politics/agenda of traditional approaches in theatre. Then shares his own "Poetics of the Oppressed"--using theatre as a weapon against the oppressions all of us face.
Five Stars
Thai is a masterpiece of its own kind. The Bible of alternative and people's theatre.
essential reading
a must read for any theatre maker
More from this brand
Similar items from “History & Criticism”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0930452496