2013 Theatre of the Oppressed Summer Camp - Evia

"Come join us... Forumally"

1st Panhellenic Gathering/Summer Camp for Theatre of the Oppressed groups
Oasis Village Camping, Agia Anna, Evia island, Greece 6-8 of September 2013

For the first time in Greece, the National Gathering for Theatre of the Oppressed groups is taking place on 6-8 of September 2013 at Oasis Village Camping, Agia Anna, Evia island, titled "Come join us... Forumally". The invitation was made by the "Activist Group of the Theatre of the Oppressed" and "Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network", both being the gathering's hosts. Among the invitees were groups of artists, educators, activists, social workers and therapists who use techniques from the Theatre of the Oppressed and particularly Forum Theatre. Some groups use the method as a tool for activism aimed toward social change and others are active in the field of education. Friends and observers were also there, whose presence was deemed necessary so that observations be made by adepts at the method.

Five groups participated with Forum Theatre plays:
a) Activist Group of the Theatre of the Oppressed, b) Escapes Group of the Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network, c) PAiTHeA Group - Patras, d) Theatre of the Oppressed Group of Trikala, e) Listeners' Group of the Department of Theatre Studies, University of the Peloponnese and members of Theatrodromio Association - Nafplion.

The gathering took place in order to:
share experiences, knowledge and opinions among professionals, users and observers
explore the limits of the technique
pose questions on the method of the Theatre of the Oppressed and especially Forum Theatre
investigate the potential collaborations between groups already active with Forum Theatre plays

The gathering's programme: The gathering started with the groups' members but also the other guests getting acquainted with each other through various games. The groups' members then discussed about their expectations for the gathering. Special mention was given on the difficulties each group faces on the creation of Forum Theatre plays as well as the ways to apply them in the spaces where they are active. On the following days of the gathering, each group presented their play in front of the guest audience. At the end of every play an extensive discussion followed about the themes negotiated by the play but also the possible improvements on the story. The evenings had the participants watch videos from relevant Forum Theatre actions which could not be presented in the gathering. The gathering closed with a small review and the promise of a reprise.

OSMOSI – Osmosis-Centre for the Arts and Intercultural Education www.osmosis-intercultural.gr
Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network
Organization: Gianna Papadopoulou and Melina Plasti