The Feminist Legislative Theatre session, led by Bárbara Santos, is an innovative approach rooted in the Theatre of the Oppressed (TO), a method developed by Augusto Boal. This methodology emphasizes the importance of theatre not only as a medium for reflection but as a catalyst for action. The Legislative Theatre, a technique of TO, was developed during Boal’s tenure as a representative in the Rio de Janeiro City Council from 1993 to 1996, responding to an urgent need for civic engagement and legislative impact.
Bárbara Santos, who served as the head of Boal’s office and worked closely with various community groups, played a key role in the creation and structuring of Legislative Theatre. Through Forum Theatre productions, community issues were brought to the forefront, providing a platform for the public to engage in discussions and draft legislative proposals. These sessions became essential exercises in exploring collective solutions to societal challenges, with the real-life experiences of theatre group members serving as the foundation for the performances
Since 2016, Bárbara Santos, in collaboration with the Ma-g-dalena International Network of Teatro de las Oprimidas, has developed a feminist, anti-racist, and decolonial approach to Legislative Theatre. This practice emphasizes the decentralization of discussions, promoting a more horizontal relationship between experts and participants, and actively involving associations and social movements to ensure committed engagement and follow-up actions. In 2019, Santos further refined this approach into a workshop model aimed at spreading this practice among Ma-g-dalena Network practitioners.
This model encourages participants to collaboratively identify themes and struggles, creating Forum Theatre plays that resonate with their collective experiences. The Legislative Sessions serve as a space to deepen discussions, analyze the social issues presented, and collectively draft proposals for concrete, sustained action.
We invite you to participate in this unique session, where theatre becomes a powerful tool for legislative and social transformation.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday September 1st.
- Time: 5 PM – 7 PM
- Location: KURINGA Berlin (Grüntaler Str. 35, 13359 Berlin)
FREE ENTRY