Carleton University, in collaboration with the Glebe Collegiate Institute, presents Theatre of the Oppressed: The stereotypical notions of gender, race, and sexuality among young Canadians. This event encourages undergraduate students, high school students, and the broader Ottawa community to critically think about the relation of gender, race, social class, age, ability, and sexuality among young Canadians. Recognizing how gender relations in mainstream society is generally perceived, it can be difficult for young people to express themselves while encountering misconceptions about their personhood.
As a way to express student learning, and build confidence in young people, both Carleton and Glebe students have put together two plays, which are in line with “The Theatre of the Oppressed” model, by creator Augusto Boal. These two sets of plays will highlight discrimination and social oppression young people face in a Canadian social climate.
Light refreshments will be provided, and as always, there will be opportunities to network.
1. “I am not my hair” This play depicts the story of a young Black girl who faces racially charged bullying at her school.
2. “It’s a boy, remember? These scenes bring light to the social barriers that transgender students face when accessing public washrooms.
Theatre of the Oppressed is a dramatic game in which a problem, or symptom of oppression, is shown in an unsolved form. The dramatic action revolves around a selected issue of social inequality; it involves visible oppressors and a protagonist who is oppressed. The “Theatre of the Oppressed” performance will be an interactive piece that allows the audience to get involved, as an attempt to stop the oppression. At certain points during the plays, audience members will be encouraged, positively, to replace one of the existing characters within the plays in the hopes of creating a learning experience, and a positive outcome. The only characters who are not allowed to be replaced are the oppressed character and the character who is identified as the oppressor.
Characters in the play are not based upon, and do not represent, any real person(s). These characters were created for the purpose of provoking uncomfortable experiences and challenging thoughts and in no way represent the students or faculty at Glebe Collegiate Institute or Carleton University.
This play contains coarse language and mature subject matter. It may not be suitable for those 13 years or younger. Please be advised that some of the content may potentially be offensive, challenging and/or upsetting.
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