What is Theatre of the Oppressed? Artiste and activist Sanjoy Ganguly explains

Sanjoy Ganguly, pioneer of Theatre of the Oppressed in the country, was recently in Chennai for a workshop with SCARF India

On stage, a scene of domestic violence plays out. As the actors play their part (most often, autobiographical), an audience member interrupts, raises questions and the narrative veers. This disruptive exchange is vital, believes Theatre of the Oppressed, a school of thought pioneered by Brazilian writer and politician Augusto Boal that invites the audience to be involved in the decision-making that happens on stage. In this case for instance, the audience’s takeaway perhaps lies in the realisation of how patriarchy still remains ingrained in our psyche.

Also referred to as forum theatre, this form has found its footing in India, through the Jana Sanskriti Centre for Theatre of the Oppressed in West Bengal. Initially operated out of the Sundarbans, and established in 1985, the outfit now has a wider network in the country under Sanjoy Ganguly, Boal’s protégé and friend. Last week in Chennai, he took on mental health and conducted a workshop for Chennai’s SCARF India.

Through a week-long session, thespian and activist Sanjoy Ganguly initiated a dialogue between people with mental illnesses and their caregivers, doctors and facilitators to open a channel of stigma-free communication. Conversations around mental health set the stage for interaction.