Skip to main content
How to rehearse the revolution
ANA ISABEL NUNES points to the empowering legacy of Augusto Boal’s Theatre Of The Oppressed
REHEARSING THE REVOLUTION: Brazilian theater director and writer Augusto Boal presenting his Theatre of the Oppressed at Riverside Church in New York City, 2008

WHAT IF every citizen could have a say in how the issues that affect their lives and communities were dealt with? Or could input into policy and even law-making? Legislative theatre is a form of community-based theatre that gives participants an opportunity to actively explore, analyse and transform their lives through drama and roleplay.

Legislative theatre brings together citizens and policy-makers in a creative constructive dialogue about issues and policies that affect local communities. The idea is to engage citizens in identifying solutions to social and political problems, and then help translate them into new laws.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
(L) Playwright Athol Fugard, 1985; (R) A scene from Tsotsi (
Appreciation / 5 April 2025
5 April 2025
Following his death a month ago, DENNIS WALDER assesses the achievement of the playwright who developed his work in the townships
Los Angeles Fire Department's Dylan Casey and Mike Alvarez w
Features / 14 January 2025
14 January 2025
Addressing new climate challenges will require co-ordinated efforts by governments and local authorities for both drought and flood risks — and it’s people power that will be key to getting policy implemented, writes DOUG SPECHT
STUNNING: Jeremy Deller’s recreation of The Battle of Orgr
Opinion / 9 August 2024
9 August 2024
VANESSA CORBY asks what will the arts do for everyday working people?
Soyinka, at Festivaletteratura in Mantua, 7 September 2019,
Culture / 16 July 2024
16 July 2024
ABAYOMI AWELEWA celebrates AKINWANDE OLUWOLE SOYINKA, the legendary African author whose work shows the powerful role of the arts in challenging oppression, advocating for justice and inspiring social change