Theatre as a tool for social changes

A new stage of theatrical art occurs in the XXI century: social theatres such as utilitarian theatre, the theatre of the oppressed etc. appear in the period. The new theatres, through their social functions, become a condition for communication and connection between people. The theatre covers the interests of individuals and social groups. It quite often intensely interferes with the processes of social and political confrontations and becomes a facilitator on the way of coping with these conflicting situations. Theatrical action is an imitation. It is a transfer of the past to the present day. This transposition assumes a therapeutic and pedagogical importance.
In this present study I analyse the theatre of the oppressed by Augusto Boali and the experiments conducted by me. The university course under the name of ,,Theatrical Debates" elaborated by me within the confines of the doctoral research arouses a special interest.
Theater - This is the form of knowledge, which can and must be the method of transforming the society." - said Brazilian Director and politician Augusto Boal and created the Theater of the Oppressed.
Greatest human and historic task of the oppressed is as follows: They have to free not only themselves, but oppressors as well. Oppressors that oppress and exploit the oppressed people through their power. They neither see themselves as oppressors nor acknowledge that they also need freedom. Oppressed must initiate the abolishment of oppression.
Methodology of Paolo Freire about political activation of target groups. Boal introduces Freire's Methodology into theater practice. Boal presents the new term: "Spect-actors" and this creates the new form - "Theatrical Debates", so called "Forum Theater". He also brings "Joker" i.e. "Moderator" in theatrical act. Imagination of Boal stands on an idea, whereas any "Spect -actors" can be involved in theatrical play during the play, express his/her position about play issues, even changing the play course. Method of Boal (used in many countries of the world) aims to turn the audience into active participant of the play, providing improvement of people and their environment.
Presently, many theater companies work in Europe and USA following the method created by Boal. Here in the work, we will show you the fragments from the plays created by the students and fellows of Boal. Plays "Simple and Difficult" and "Screen Dependence" belongs to the theater under the name "Among the Youth" (ENTRÉES DE JEU), and "Discrimination" and "People's Law of the Banks" belongs to the theater "NAJE" (abbreviation to Nous n'Abandonnerons Jamais l'Espoir).