Exploring applicability of theatre of the oppressed (TO) techniques in Fees Must Fall campaign at a University of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Abstract

This masters thesis presents results of a research on the applicability of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed techniques on the FeesMustFall movement in South Africa aimed at achieving fees free higher education. The study aims at exploring the Theatre of the Oppressed techniques be effective if used in the ‘Fees Must Fall’ campaign? How can Theatre of the Oppressed techniques be used as a suitable alternative in the struggle for free quality tertiary education for students in this province? The dissertation discusses Augusto Boal's notion of using the stage as a way of bringing solutions to problems of oppressed communities. The reality faced by black communities affect other aspects of the life experienced by black people in their community, starting with the education of black children. The theatre is a powerful tool to communicate messages, bring about unity in the community; therefore there is crucial need for holistic interventions to tackle these difficulties in the community and consequently in the schools and universities. The study has been carried as a desktop research where data was collected from existing literature and images from the internet. This study came up with Forum Theatre as the most effective tool for promoting dialogue and awareness to the communities plagued with oppression. Forum Theatre seeks to empower the powerless, liberate the oppressed and free bondages. The spectator is transformed into spect-actor where the audience participates in solutions and interventions. This study outlines the condition of South Africa as state and its challenges post-apartheid and how politics is playing out in higher education.