Portuguese 302 - Colloquium: Theatre of the Oppressed In and Beyond Brazil: Introduction to Theory and Practice
Colq:TheatreofOppressedBrazil
Spring
2025
01
4.00
Simone M. Gugliotta
TU TH 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Smith College
POR-302-01-202503
Hatfield 105
sgugliot@smith.edu
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of the Theatre of the Oppressed (T.O.), conceived by Augusto Boal and inspired by Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. The class discusses how Boal’s method promotes dialogue as an effective communication tool; when dialogue becomes monologue, oppression begins. The course includes the work of director, performer, and writer Barbara Santos and her feminist perspective of the T.O. In addition to learning about T.O. games, techniques, methodologies, and practical applications, students explore other aspects of Brazilian culture including Capoeira, Afro-Brazilian religions, music, and culinary arts, as they relate to human rights, social equity, the environment, and political power. All course content will be in English, with texts in the original language for students who read Portuguese. Enrollment limited to 25.