Rashomon workshop NYC 2/27/10

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The Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory (TOPLAB)

--a member of The Institute for Popular Education at the Brecht Forum--

--founded in 1990--

451 West Street

New York, New York 10014

toplab@...

http://www.toplab.org

2010: The Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory

celebrates its twentieth anniversary year!

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" I believe that all the truly revolutionary theatrical groups should

transfer to the people the means of production in the theater so that the

people themselves may utilize them. The theater is a weapon, and it is the

people who should wield it. " --Augusto Boal (1931-2009), founder of

the Theater of the Oppressed

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The Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory (TOPLAB)

presents

Rashomon: An Image Theater technique

Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

facilitated by Marie- Picher

at The Brecht Forum

451 West Street

New York, New York 10014

The Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory is pleased to facilitate a

workshop in Rashomon, a Theater of the Oppressed technique that is rarely

presented.

Inspired by filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's study in multiple perspectives,

Rashomon is an improvisatory technique that highlights the role of

perception in the creation of the " Other. " Rashomon is specifically

designed for the study of the rigid patterns of perception that create a

negatively-charged Other, in an oppressive, closed, recurring situation;

as such, it is particularly suited for exploring the role of individual

perception in generating biases and hate.

Rashomon is based on the premise that our perception of the Other is a

social construct mediated by stereotypes. It also posits that, within the

context of the " spect-actor " relation, the use of living body imagery in a

three-dimensional space to explore patterns of perception that give rise

to deformed, incomplete, or mistaken impressions offers the opportunity to

develop a unique critical perspective. Rashomon is a powerful critical

tool that can be used to collectively challenge stereotypes and promote

greater understanding and empathy with others.

This workshop is designed and structured to benefit people who are

involved in movements for peace, social justice and radical social,

economic and political change and is open to anyone who fairly, sincerely

and nonviolently wants to participate.

The goal of this workshop is to help people involved in social movements

develop and sharpen their organizing skills and make them more effective.

We will explore ways to enhance democratic group processes,

community-building and solidarity. Participants will share stories,

reflect and strategize. They will have the opportunity to work with other

activists in a safe space in order to confront issues of class dynamics,

power and oppression that concern them and the organizations,

constituencies and communities with which they work.

All TOPLAB workshops are intended to help people in social change movements:

1. increase their capacity for independent thought by developing their

skills in analysis (understanding problems) and synthesis (reaching

consensus for planning action);

2. develop leadership skills;

3. deepen their awareness of the issues affecting their communities on a

daily basis;

4. enhance their involvement in the political life of the community;

5. find ways to build community-based decision-making power; and

6. build coalitions.

No prior theater experience is necessary to participate in this workshop.

If you would like to enroll please write to TOPLAB at toplab@... to

let us know you will be coming.

Note: Participants must commit to attending this workshop in its entirety.

During Theater of the Oppressed workshops a process develops among the

members and when people arrive late or leave early that process is

compromised. If you think you will not be able to attend the whole

workshop please consider enrolling in a future workshop when your schedule

will allow you to attend for its entire duration.

Tuition--sliding scale: $55-$95

Pre-register online at

http://brechtforum.org/events/rashomon?bc=

*****

Other upcoming events:

Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21: Forum Theater (focusing on

sexism); facilitators to be announced

Sunday, April 11: Heal the Healer; facilitated by Kira Ferrand

Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25: The Rainbow of Desire;

facilitated by Marie- Picher

Sunday, May 16: Heal the Healer; facilitated by Kira Ferrand

Monday, May 24 through Saturday, May 29: two three-day Forum Theater

workshops plus public performance-demonstrations; facilitated by n

Boal

June (exact dates to be announced): Invisible Theater; facilitated by

Marie- Picher

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" We must emphasize: What Brecht does not want is that the spectators

continue to leave their brains with their hats upon entering the

theater, as do bourgeois spectators. " --Augusto Boal

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