About the Workshop

"Drama originates from life, drama is close to life, society is life, drama talks about life."

Augusto Boal, a renowned Brazilian theatre theorist and director, is famous for his work The Theatre of the Oppressed (1974). Forum Theatre is a part of the Theatre of the Oppressed. After actors perform a problem in a play, the audience is invited to suggest solutions, which the actors then perform. If an audience member feels the suggestions are not fully reflected, they can join the performance as a "spect-actor," improvising within the forum theatre.

This event specially invites Professor Xu Ruifang from Taiwan and Teacher Chen Chujian from Hong Kong to Macau. Through this two-phase workshop and lecture series, they will introduce the basic concepts and operational forms of forum theatre to participants while strengthening their analysis of social issues through practical exercises.

Phase 1: Examining Oppressive Situations in Society and Daily Life

Instructor: Xu Ruifang (Taiwan)

Session Details

• Session 1: Reflecting on experiences of oppression through static images; observing themes of oppression from different groups.
  • Date: Friday, August 25, 2017
  • Time: 19:00–22:00
• Session 2: Developing a forum theatre script based on themes identified by each group (beginning-development-climax); Explanation of the Joker role; Practicing forum theatre.
  • Date: Saturday, August 26, 2017
  • Time: 12:00–18:00
• Session 3: Presentation of each group's forum theatre work and a lecture/dialogue session.
  • Date: Sunday, August 27, 2017
  • Time: 14:00–17:00
  • *This session is open to the public for free.

Key Information

• Language of Instruction: Mandarin (with Cantonese assistance provided).
• Target Audience: Educators, social workers, and anyone interested in learning about forum theatre.
• Venue:
  • Sessions 1 & 2: LDG Studio (5th Floor, Units A & B, Hip Wah Industrial Building, No. 123 Avenida do Almirante Lacerda, Macau, opposite Red Market main entrance, next to the pharmacy).
  • Session 3: Macao Outer Harbour Youth Activity Centre (2nd Block, Macao Forum, Avenida de Sidónio Pais, NAPE, Macau).

Fees & Registration

• Standard Registration: MOP 500 (Registration deadline: August 20)
• Group of Two Discount: MOP 800 (MOP 400 per person)
• Early Bird Discount: MOP 400 (Early bird offer valid until July 30)

How to Register: Fill out and submit the registration form at the provided URL. You will receive a confirmation message with payment details. Please complete payment within seven days of receiving the confirmation email; otherwise, your spot will not be reserved.

Important Notes

• Participants who achieve at least 80% attendance and complete a small showcase will receive a certificate.
• Session 3 (presentation and lecture/dialogue) is free and open to the public.
• Phase 2 Workshop: Conducted by instructor Chen Chujian (Hong Kong) on October 29, November 5, 12, and 19. The theme is school bullying and oppression in living environments. This phase is for participants who have completed Phase 1.

Organizer: Strawberry Fields Arts Education Studio Sponsor: Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government Enquiries: [email protected] / Ms. Lau 6616 4804 / Ms. Wong 6233 1721