Augusto Boal has defined Theater of the Oppressed as a rehearsal for revolution, and inherently revolutionary cultural practice. Boal’s own historical practice invites all Theatre of the Oppressed Practitioners to reflect upon the meaning of revolution in our own societies and our own work. It is a fallacy to believe that by simply using the arsenal of TO techniques political vision is created. TO is a repertory of aesthetic activities, the political content of which depends on the political vision it serves. In turn, the political vision depends upon the model of cultural practice in which it is embedded. At CTO/ATA/LA, we are interested in promoting the use of TO as an important model for activists committed to ongoing, long-term support for communities in need, organizing and solidarity, and to promote cultural action by and for the people in the form of grassroots, participatory democratic processes at all levels of civic interaction. Correspondingly, the social relations they reproduce are based on dialogue, inclusion, cooperation, and consensus. We are interested in working towards a true egalitarian society based on participatory democracy, social and economic justice, and respect for human rights.

AIMS:
• Create active dialogue between political activists, organizations, and theater practitioners. Seminars/workshops concentrate on enhancing the understanding and exploration of political issues for theater practitioners, activists and institutions. We aim to raise awareness of the possibilities and practicalities of using theater within the political arena.

• Work in partnership with a range of organizations and individuals to advocate the use of theater within national and international political actions.

• Research and develop appropriate methodologies for use by activists in specific projects.

• Train organizations and individuals in participatory theater techniques related to political issues.

• Publish discussion documents, manuals and handbooks of good practice and case studies focusing on partnership, planning, implementation, and sustainability

We invite everyone interested in these principles to contact us to continue this dialogue.

Yours,
Hector Aristizabal
Member CTO/ATA/LA Core Council