USAO Theatre Arts Program presents Forum Theatre Events
The USAO Theatre Arts Program invites the public to attend free Forum Theatre events on February 28th and March 7th at 6:30pm in the Studio Theatre of Davis Hall. These Saturday evening performances will feature a short one-act play presented by USAO students that will be discussed and re-staged by the audience.
This evening of theatre will demonstrate two forms of Theatre for Social Change: Epic Theatre inspired by Bertolt Brecht’s “learning plays” and Theatre of the Oppressed as practiced by Augusto Boal. The theme of these events is Rules and Exceptions, inspired by “The Exception and the Rule,” a parable-style play written by Brecht in 1930.
All seats for these performances will be free for students and for the public. The performances will be held in the Davis Hall studio theatre; an adapted space that will allow for a personal experience between the audience and performers. The studio theatre seats only 50 audience members in close proximity to the actors for each performance. Performances will have two short acts, separated by an intermission. This show is suggested for teen and adult audiences.
Epic Theatre is a twentieth-century form of political theatre featuring actors as reporters who stage historical stories that reflect current events. Unlike theatre that asks audiences to watch as though events are real, this style often has storytellers speak directly with the audience, comment on the action, and exaggerates the characters and actions for impact.
Theatre of the Oppressed grew in Brazil, from the theory and practice of Augusto Boal in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In this style of theatre, the audience is trained to become “spect-actors” commenting on the scenes being shown and are involved in creating alternatives to the conflict and resolution of the story. This approach was designed to teach audiences - using the safe spaces of theatre - how to be actively engaged with social problems and create solutions without violence or “magic.”
“The Theatre Arts Program is designed to train all students in many styles of theatre,” says Katie Davis, Professor of Theatre and Director of the Forum Theatre events. “In the history of theatre, many different approaches have been taken to apply theatre to teach, entertain, heal, and serve communities. We are sharing our experiment with two somewhat unfamiliar styles at a time when the tools they share are not only educational but useful in many areas beyond the stage.”
Tickets will be available at the door, beginning at 6:00pm in the evening, at the box office in Davis Hall. General admission seating will be first-come, first-served.
About USAO:
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
Contact: Hannah Thompson | 405-574-1362