Exploring Media Legislation Through Feminist Legislative Theatre
On September 1st., we had the privilege of experiencing a session of Feminist Legislative Theatre, led by Bárbara Santos. This event, inspired by the principles of Teatro de las Oprimidas, was the closure of a 4 days workshop on the technique.
Legislative Theatre was developed during the time Boal was a city councilor in Rio de Janeiro. It was designed to involve citizens directly in the legislative process, allowing them to propose and debate laws that affect their lives. Bárbara Santos, who played a crucial role in the development of Legislative Theatre, continues to evolve this approach, incorporating feminist, anti-racist, and decolonial perspectives to address contemporary social issues. The Feminist Legislative Theatre session introduces a new approach to the method giving space for a collective and horizontal dialog.
The participants at the workshop presented a forum theatre play. The topic was focused on the pressing issue of media, specifically tackling the challenges posed by media addiction, the impact of misinformation on society and how media can shape ideas and ideals.
At the beginning of the event, each person received three colour cards for use during the voting: Green for approval, Red for rejection and Yellow to abstain. After the play, the audience engaged in a dynamic and participatory process, where they not only reflected on the dangers of fake news but also brainstormed practical solutions to combat its spread and mitigate its effects. The discussions were both enlightening and empowering, as they explored various angles of the media landscape and its influence on public perception and behavior. After the discussion the audience members shared their proposals and vote using the cards according to their views.
One of the outcomes of this session was the proposal to introduce Critical Media Education in schools. The audience said that educating both teachers and students on how to critically analyze media content could be a key strategy in countering the spread of misinformation.
Another significant proposal was the call for greater transparency in media funding. The spect-activist suggested that a law should be enacted requiring all media outlets to disclose their funding sources and affiliations. This measure would help the public identify potential biases and conflicts of interest, enabling them to make more informed decisions about the media they consume.
The session also addressed the responsibility of technology companies in curbing the spread of fake news. There was a strong consensus that these companies must be held accountable for the content shared on their platforms. Proposals included implementing stricter regulations on the dissemination of misinformation and creating more robust systems for flagging and removing false content.
However, the idea that resonated most with the public was the importance of promoting real-life connections between people. In a world where digital interaction often replaces face-to-face communication, creating spaces for genuine human connection was seen as essential in combating the isolation that can make individuals more susceptible to misinformation. The audience suggested organizing community events, public forums, and other initiatives that encourage people to come together, share experiences, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
As the session concluded, several questions remained at the forefront of our minds: How can we ensure that the proposals discussed are transformed into actionable policies? What role should the public play in holding media and tech companies accountable? How can we sustain the momentum created by this session and continue to address the ever-evolving challenges of media regulation?
This session of Feminist Legislative Theatre was a powerful reminder of the role that art can play in shaping society: it’s a participatory and democratic methodology that encourages continuous involvement from the community. It empowers people to not only voice their concerns but also to take an active role in shaping the policies that govern their lives. By engaging in this process, the public become more than just spectators—they become agents of change. In a continuous process, the proposals generated during this sessions can have the potential to influence future legislation and drive positive change, proving once again that theatre is not just a reflection of reality—it’s a catalyst for transformation.
We look forward to continuing this important work and invite all those interested in using theatre as a tool for social justice to join us in future sessions.