PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
ACT UP is proud to offer a space for interactive and non-traditional theatre, where spectators become “spect-actors”. Interactive theatre is a tool that provides us all with a platform to explore, question and experience varied approaches to real world issues.
In this space, we can form our own opinions and conclusions -without being told how or what to think. We believe theatre is not just for actors, it’s for our entire community and therefore, our community should have a part in creating it. Join us—and let’s ACT UP together!
WHAT IS THEATRE OF THE OPPRESSED?
Originally created in South America by Augusto Boal, with peasant and worker populations to “rehearse for the revolution”, it is now used all over the world to develop tools for exploring collective struggles and resolving conflict. AUD provides participants within the community an opportunity to experience T.O., with a focus on the forms of Image Theatre, Forum Theatre, and others listed below.
Theatre of the Oppressed is about analyzing rather than accepting, questioning rather than giving answers. It is also about taking action — “acting” rather than just talking. The audience is not made of passive spectators but instead active “spect-actors” invited on stage to explore solutions on the issues at hand.
PLAYBACK THEATRE
WHAT IS PLAYBACK THEATRE?
Playback Theatre is an interactive form of improvisational theatre in which audience members tell stories from their lives and watch them enacted on the spot.
This form of theatre promotes the right for any voice to be heard, and provides an opportunity for their stories and lived experiences to be honored.
Playback also allows for different perspectives to be made visible. Playback Theatre was founded in 1975 by Jonathan Fox and Jo Salas. It has spread around the globe and Playback companies now exist on six continents.
Playback Theatre is used in a range of contexts including public performances, community arts, social dialogue, peace building, conflict resolution, education, disaster recovery, human rights, change management and celebrations.
Inquire about joining Palmetto Playback—Act Up’s premiere Playback troupe—by emailing info@actupdrama.org.
Drama Therapy
What Is Drama Therapy?
Traditional talk therapy works well for some. However, there are others that may benefit more from Drama Therapy. Drama Therapy is an active, experiential approach to facilitating change.
Through storytelling, projective play, purposeful improvisation, and performance, participants are invited to rehearse desired behaviors, practice being in relationship, expand and find flexibility between life roles, and perform the change they wish to be and see in the world.
There are times where our lived experiences are so big, that words alone can’t fully express them. This is where Drama Therapy can help. It’s a form of therapy where one can learn how to communicate what is too deep and too big for words.
Traditional Theatre
While you may witness what initially looks like a traditional play, at AUD, it will be anything but traditional!
Every production is designed with intentionality, to provide a voice to communities historically pushed to the margins, to inspire, to educate, transform and liberate.
We utilize theatre to do more than entertain. At AUD Inc., theatre is utilized to inspire robust dialogue, disrupt the status quo and motivate action within our community. We look forward to seeing you at our next production, so that we can ACT UP together!