Eighteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

This workshop introduces participants to Forum Theatre, a participatory form of theatre that engages audiences in the creation and performance of a play. Through practical exercises and discussions, participants will learn how Forum Theatre can be used to explore social issues and encourage dialogue, making it a powerful tool for community building and empowerment. The workshop provides an overview of Forum Theatre’s history, demonstrate its techniques, and provide practical tips for facilitating Forum Theatre workshops. This workshop is suitable for community leaders, social workers, educators, artists, and anyone interested in using participatory arts to engage communities. The workshop will also instigate conversations about how we (as artists, practitioners, and academics) can address the social, political, and community agendas in the arts, and how they can be developed further to be more inclusive and accessible to communities. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to explore Forum Theatre as a powerful tool for community building and empowerment. Through practical exercises and discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how participatory arts can be used to address social issues and engage diverse communities. Objectives: 1)To provide an introduction to Forum Theatre as a method of community engagement; 2)To demonstrate how Forum Theatre can be used to explore social issues and encourage dialogue; 3) To provide practical techniques for facilitating Forum Theatre workshops; 4)To encourage participants to consider how they might apply Forum Theatre in their own communities.