Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) is a participatory theatre methodology developed by Augusto Boal in the 1970s as a tool for social change, empowerment, and dialogue.
Rooted in Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed, TO transforms traditional theatre into an interactive and dynamic space where spectators become "spect-actors," actively engaging in the performance to explore and rehearse real-life struggles.
 

Theatre of the Oppressed consists of various branches, including:

1. Image Theatre – A methodology where participants use frozen and fluid body images to express emotions, relationships, or social situations. 
2. Forum Theatre – A short performance depicting a situation of oppression, which is then replayed with the audience ("spect-actors") stepping in to change the outcome through interventions.
3. Rainbow of Desire – A set of therapeutic TO techniques focusing on internalized oppression, allowing individuals to explore conflicts, desires, and emotions using theatrical techniques.
4. Invisible Theatre – A performance staged in public spaces where the audience does not realize it is theatre. It is designed to provoke dialogue and social change in real-world settings.
5. Newspaper Theatre – A method for transforming news articles or media content into interactive performances, analyzing bias and encouraging critical reflection on mass communication.
6. Legislative Theatre – A technique used to influence laws and policies, where performances highlight real social issues, and audience participation leads to policy proposals and legislative action.
7. Analytical Theatre – A structured approach to breaking down social and political issues, using theatre to critically examine power structures and the role of oppression.
8. Breaking Repression – Exercises and performances that help participants identify and challenge personal or societal oppression, allowing for collective problem-solving.
9. Photo Romance – A technique that combines visual storytelling with theatre, using staged images and narratives to explore social issues and encourage dialogue.
10. Rituals and Masks – A theatrical approach that examines ritualized behaviors, cultural norms, and identity formation, using masks and symbolic actions to reflect on social conditioning.
    
    

About the FestivalThe 3rd Annual Tele’Drama Community Festival 2026 will showcase an innovative integration of Tele’Drama Methodology for Theatre of the Oppressed Applications in Virtual and Hybrid Spaces, offering a unique experience. This festival will provide a comprehensive, experiential exploration of all branches of Theatre of the Oppressed, demonstrating how these techniques can be adapted for virtual and hybrid spaces to foster global participation and collaboration. Through interactive sessions and live demonstrations, participants will experience how digital tools and hybrid settings can expand the accessibility and impact of Theatre of the Oppressed while preserving its essence of social transformation and participatory engagement.