Forum Theater
Chiliomodi, Corinth Greece, 24-25 /8/2024, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Supplementary/afternoon workshop for adults as part of the Theater Summer Camp 2024
Facilitator: Christina Zoniou
Language Greek/English
Forum Theater is a basic technical and performance form of Theater of the Oppressed, a theatrical method inspired by the Brazilian director Augusto Boal, as a reaction to the oppressive and dictatorial regimes of Latin America in the 60s. It is a form of theatre that results from the experiences and needs of the people who apply it.
The spectator is placed at the center of the theatrical act, aiming for their participation and reflection. Through theatrical action, they are empowered to take a stand on social issues that concern them. They try to find possible solutions to a problem and think of strategies to manage a situation. Of course, all this takes place on stage, in a safe context, which enables them to do "a rehearsal for real life."
In this particular workshop, the participants will recognize basic aspects of Theater of the Oppressed and will focus on Forum Theatre. They will become familiar with basic techniques and tools, improvise through games and exercises, and explore various characters by co-creating Forum scenes.
"Theater itself is not considered revolutionary, it is perceived as a test for 'rebellion'. The implementation of Forum Theater evokes a sense of imperfection, which seeks completion in actual action. It's basically a rehearsal for real life, on stage."
— Augusto Boal
Christina Zoniou, a member of the Special Teaching Staff, has been teaching Acting, Stage Practice, and Social Theater at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels of the Department of Theater Studies of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Peloponnese since 2005. She has also taught as a visiting professor at the universities of Pisa, Rome, and Istanbul, and in international performing arts summer schools and drama schools. From 2014 to 2017 she has been the President of the Board of the Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network (TENet-Gr) and its Treasurer from 2017 to 2019. From 2014-2024 was member of the editorial board of the Journal Education & Theater and an consultant for the program “It Could Be Me, It Could Be You.” She has undergraduate and postgraduate studies in theatre, specializing in contemporary theater practice at the University of Athens, the University of Glasgow, and the Laboratorio Nove Drama School in Florence. She also holds a PhD from the University of Thessaly. She has been actively participating in the Greek and international Theater of the Oppressed movement as a member and facilitator of groups.
Organised by the Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network (TENet-Gr)
Info: info@theatroedu.gr / ++306541600