By: Follow South Jersey Staff
BRIDGTON, N.J. — Local youth who enjoy acting, movement, storytelling, spoken word, improv, or any creative expression will have a chance to build their artistry as well as their leadership skills as Community Promise Academy will present a powerful master class in “Theatre of the Oppressed” for youth between the ages of 11-18 on Saturday, November 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hopeloft building in Bridgeton.
“Theatre of the Oppressed” is not “threatre” per se, according to renowned presenter Leigh Thompson.
“It’s more of a methodology to give kids the opportunity to be in creative conversations and explore complex topics in creative ways,” Thompson said.
“Theatre of the Oppressed,” created by Brazilian artist Augusto Boal, is a dynamic form of theatre designed to help people understand systems of power, explore real-life challenges through creativity, rehearse solutions to injustice, strengthen their voice, agency, and connection to community. Instead of watching a performance, young people become the creators by using imagination, movement, and storytelling to explore how the world works and how to positively change it.
“[The topics] are what the students bring up,” Thompson explained, topics such as systemic power and how it functions, privilege and oppresity that the students see in the world.
Through hands-on activities, improvisation, and collaborative exercises, participants will develop creative expression, collaboration and relationship building, critical thinking and insight skills, and leadership and change agency that includes advocating for themselves and others, practicing courage and confidence on their feet, and using art to imagine and build more just futures.
This master class is the launch of a new performing-arts-centered youth leadership program. Theatre of the Oppressed will be one of the core frameworks guiding young people as they explore their identities, find and strengthen their voices, practice community leadership, and use creativity as a force for healing, empowerment, and positive change.
Young people won’t just learn theatre, they’ll learn how to transform their world.
“Basically, it’s a heck of a lot of fun — laughing and playing — while exploring complex topics,” Thompson said.
“Theatre of the Oppressed” is a free event with lunch and transportation provided.
To register for the event, click here. For more information contact Community Promise Academy at CPA@hopeloft.com.
Hopeloft is located at 40 E. Commerce Street in Bridgeton.
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