THE FORUM THEATRE METHOD

Forum Theatre is an interactive form of theatre that presents a theatrical debate to create a group ethos that encourages audience interaction and is a powerful tool for exploring solutions to difficult problems. Forum theatre scenarios are designed to stimulate audience participation through discussion, interactive role-playing and shared experiences. Forum theatre scenarios are designed to stimulate audience participation through discussion, interactive role-playing and shared experiences. An audience is shown a short play in which a central character (protagonist) encounters an oppression or obstacle which s/he is unable to overcome; the subject-matter will usually be something of immediate importance to the audience, often based on a shared life experience. When the play has been performed members of the audience can take to the stage and suggest alternative options for how the protagonist could have acted. The actors explore the results of these choices with the audience creating a kind of theatrical debate, a group ethos, in which experiences and ideas are rehearsed and shared, generating both solidarity and a sense of empowerment.  Forum Theatre sessions allow people to take the stage and show many different possibilities. In this way, the event can be used to rehearse for an imminent occasion, or to uncover and analyse alternatives in any situation, past, present or future. The experience can build empathy for the situation of a particular group or to try to overcome a sense of powerlessness amongst the audience.  Forum theatre can provide a voice for people who normally struggle to be heard. It can also increase the audience’s empathy for others. Through the audience participation new ideas and solutions to existing problems can be explored. The theatre setting can be a very powerful tool to explore difficult issues. Source: http://www.dramatherapy.org.uk/forumtheatre/ http://participationcompass.org/article/show/167 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forum_theatre