Truth Comes in Many Colors: From Playing to Learning to Change Imaginative Use of Theatre of the Oppressed in Conflict Transformation, Trauma and Social Healing Workshop 2020

Truth Comes in Many Colors: From Playing to Learning to Change Imaginative Use of Theatre of the Oppressed in Conflict Transformation, Trauma and Social Healing Workshop with Bonface Njeresa Beti, MA
Both internalized oppression and structural violence are common manifestations for most post-colonial societies. This trauma continues to ravage our world to date. Eastern Africa and specifically Kenya, has not been an exception. Neither has the USA and Canada. The latest discussions have shifted on exploring how art-based interventions can help in breaking these internalized oppressions, healing of historical trauma and transformation of conflicts by helping individuals to reclaim their identities, create new relations and move towards collective imaginative emancipation and positive peace. After tracing the development of Theatre of the Oppressed in South America to North America and Europe, the planner of this workshop appreciates how this art form has redefined the complexity of how many perceive the cycles of oppression and the authenticity for the diversity of people in attendance in all these different contexts. He will work with participants in exploring the uses of applied Image Theatre, Forum Theatre and Rainbow of Desire from both an East African and North American perspective. The facilitator will draw key lessons from his own rich intercultural exchange experiences in which he has been directly involved. Amani People’s Theatre (Kenya) and Presence Center for Applied Theatre Arts (USA) have collaborated since 2010 on conflict transformation and trauma healing through participatory theatre, in African villages and slums as well as in United States of America using these theatrical forms, to mobilize collective vision for grassroots social change and trauma healing. The facilitator has also utilized these tools and facilitated such workshops within communities living in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Worker Track
Saturday, March 28, 2020
11AM – 12:30PM
1.5 CEs
Room 108
Presentation #97