The Making of the Theatre of the Oppressed: Augusto Boal and the Marxist Tradition

“Theatre of the Oppressed” is the most used theatrical methodology in the world today. But more than a decade since the death of its creator, Augusto Boal, there has been very little critical engagement with its fascinating origins. This book traces the historical, political, and artistic path that led to the development of this world-famous methodology.

Uniquely positioned as a former student and longtime collaborator of Augusto Boal, Geo Britto Lopes offers new research and biographical details on Boal's life, his involvement in revolutionary movements, and his relationships with militants and militant intellectuals. He combines historical narratives with a mastery of the theoretical project and a grounding in the practice as it has evolved.

The Making of the Theater of the Oppressed acknowledges the richness and complexity of the work, its evolution through myriad iterations, and the wide range of ways it influences its diverse practitioners, opening several new windows for future research. It is perfect for people with an interest in political theatre and in art as a form of social transformation.