We want to inform you of ongoing workshops, training and progress in the research and development of techniques known as “Rainbow of Desire.” (For more information on this work, please read Rainbow of Desire by Augusto Boal, 1995, Routledge)

Many of us have been working with the psychological and spiritual manifestations of oppression in clinics, schools, community centers, places of worship and other locations where people are experiencing disruptions to their lives in ways often difficult to categorize through the more external methods of Forum Theatre. For this reason, Boal began developing his method of Theatre and Therapy, along with Zerka Moreno (wife of the late Jacob Moreno, founder of Psychodrama) in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. He began with techniques known as flic dans la tete, or “cop in the head,” to explore ways in which we have internalized the oppressor and thereby limited our kaleidescope of opportunity.

Members of CTO/ATA/LA have successfully used Rainbow of Desire techniques with children and families in art-based therapy centers and community programs: with victims of torture; with immigrant communities; grieving families; teens involved in the juvenile justice system, etc. We wan to further the work of Rainbow by offering free workshops to professionals and interested actors and community members, and to invite critical dialogue about the ethics and opportunities arising with therapeutic theatre work in community-based settings.

We invite you to join our workshops, read Augusto’s book and enter into the Rainbow dialogue with us. We are particularly interested to know how you may be using techniques of theatre and therapy from a similar, liberatory perspective, and how we might learn from each other. Remember- - we are transformed by transforming, so join us in our transformational journey.

Sincerely,
Brent Blair
Founder, Member of CTO/ATA/LA Core Council