Art in Action is a Self-Advocacy Program based on elements of the Theatre of the Oppressed.

Theatre of the Oppressed was born in 1971 , in Brazil, by a Augusto Boal, under the very young form called Newspaper Theatre , with the specific goal of dealing with local problems – soon, it was used all over the country. Forum Theatre came into Peru and provides an opportunity for the audience to be part of the experience by becoming something called “specactors” in where they can stop the play at any time. This process was created organically, discovered by an audience member yelling stop during a play when an actor was in a moment of crisis, now it is practiced in more than 70 countries. Growing up, theatre of the oppressed developed Invisible Theatre in Argentina, as political activity, and Image Theatre to establish dialogue among Indigenous Nations and Spanish descendants, in Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico... Now these forms are being used all over the world in all kinds of dialogues.

Art in Action uses this form of theatre and a unique creation process using games and exercises to break inhibitions, creating a common language and building trust through team building. Then the group is lead into exercises on an exploration of their issues, self -discovery as individuals or as a community, and raises questions about problem solving. Finally, the creation process leads to play making, interactive theatre or film!

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Michelle Allen- michelle@aafscalgary.com