Post #8: Forum Theatre -- it's so COOL (with a purpose)!

YDEV 501

WEEK 8: Forum Theatre -- it's so COOL (with a purpose)!
 
I've always been a fan of theatre. I remember seeing my first play/ musical when I was in high school and up to this day, I remember that feeling of amazement I had seeing all the performers on stage with all the lights, sound effects, costumes and make-up. Seeing a play/ musical was always a form of entertainment for me. It's a way where I get to imagine and see live performances of shows and movies that I like. Reading the article about forum theatre -- what it is all about and watching a sample of it through the video assignment was another new discovery for me.
I always knew that theatre is a powerful art form where you get to express what you feel. At the same time, it has this "power" to induce emotions from audiences and that's always one thing that draws me to it. Although I didn't expect (or imagined) how theatre can be or is being used to tackle social justice while having the audience as active participants. It's so fascinating to see how these things form and engage discussions and the audience members get to voice out their own opinions and experiences and at the same time, be aware of other people's opinions and takes on the same matter/ issue. I think this kind of platform is very effective in promoting care and awareness of the struggles and lives of other people. One thing we are learning through this course is that each individual has their own story and whether you are of the same race, gender, social status, etc., we can't generalize people based on these social identities.
As I was thinking about what to write in my blog post, one thing I got curious about was how forum theatre is done with young kids/ youth as the audience/ participants. I started a search on Youtube and found this clip. It's basically an introduction to what forum theatre is but what's interesting for me was that the audience were young kids. It was nice to see their take and reflection on this art form.  It brings me joy that this kind of teaching and learning space is present and made available to kids and not just adults.
Early in this course, we've read and learned how one of the biggest challenges that the youth face is how adults see them as not having a real role in society because of their age. That being young equates to them being ignorant and not worthy to be listened to because they know nothing. This being said, this kind of teaching and learning tool gives avenue for kids to learn and be aware at a very young age about 1) real problems we face in the world, 2) having a voice and opinion on situations and that it is okay to say something and be heard and 3) that they're not alone. I like how one of the members said that forum theatre teaches kids that their actions have certain outcomes and that they have a choice to change it.
As I was continuing to process the idea of forum theatre, I can't help but make a connection between this and the 4 components of play that Howard Chudacoff wrote in his article. In a way, I find a link with forum theatre to the components of environment and materials wherein the audience/ kids get to be creative and use their imagination in making props for the scene and envisioning it based on the situation and topic being showed to them. Then you have the component of dramatis personae wherein the audience get to choose when and how they want to participate. In all this, one major aspect I like about forum theatre is the freedom it gives to the audience/ participants; especially with kids being the audience members. They are given the freedom of choice on what to say and act on these scenarios. At the same time, they are learning from one another through play and art.

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