Theatre of the Oppressed Scotland standard workshop offerings include:

Full day Anti - Oppression Workshops

5 - 7 hours.

Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP) is a central social justice-oriented approach that recognises the structural origins of oppression and promotes social transformation by utilising critical theories including feminist, Marxist, postmodernist, Indigenous, poststructuralist, anti-colonial, and anti-racist theories, among others.. 

AOP acknowledges that multiple forms of oppression can occur simultaneously within micro-, mezzo-, and macro-levels that uniquely impact marginalised people and communities. It aims to eradicate oppression and challenge power structures through collective institutional and societal changes.  AOP also promotes a deep reflection and development of a ‘critical consciousness’ to analyse how systems and professionals can be complicit in recreating and reinforcing structures of oppression, such as through unequal power dynamics.

Through the development of clear connections between social justice and practice, AOP offers a conceptual model for understanding the multiplicity of oppression, privilege, and power dynamics at a structural level. AOP’s ultimate goal is to change the “structure and procedures of service delivery systems through macro changes” (Sakamoto & Pitner, 2005, p. 437). As we will discuss further in our critical analysis of AOP, its conceptual model can sometimes be difficult to translate into actionable items for practice.

Forum Scenes Creation & Public Performance 

6-10 hours, plus 2 hours for performance.

During this training, participants are introduced to the techniques of Theatre of the Oppressed and create Forum scenes for a public performance to engage "spect-actors" on a shared issue. After learning the techniques, participants will develop Forum Theatre scenes by sharing stories of oppression faced by individuals in the group. These stories are then chosen, cast, improvised, and scripted. Rehearsal techniques and games from the Theatre of the Oppressed are used to refine the scenes. Participants will gather found and recycled materials to create costumes and sets, with all artistic choices made by the actors. Finally, the forums are performed, where the scenes pose a question to the audience, inviting them to become "spect-actors." These spect-actors take on the protagonist's role to suggest interventions and alternatives to the presented problems. TOSCOT facilitators act as unbiased "jokers," mediating the discussion and interactions between the actors and spect-actors. This process enables the entire community to address problems collectively and creatively.

Intro to Theatre of the Oppressed Demo

1.5-2 hours.

Engage in fundamental exercises from the Theatre of the Oppressed and participate in a forum theatre demonstration. These theatre games promote the “de-mechanisation” of the body and mind: breaking free from societal patterns of action and thought that restrict our ability to fully be ourselves, secure our human rights, pursue our dreams, and lead our communities authentically. Explore the connection between Theatre of the Oppressed, human rights, and the impact of oppression on your community through dialogue and brainstorming sessions.

Extended Intro with Scene Development

4-7 hours.

Participate in an in-depth introduction to Theatre of the Oppressed exercises and facilitation, including the creation of short scenes focused on community issues. These scenes serve to demonstrate the Forum Theatre model, where the audience is invited to become "spect-actors," actively engaging by stepping into the protagonist's role to suggest interventions and alternatives to the presented problems. This approach fosters collective and creative problem-solving among the community of actors and spect-actors.

Extended Intro with Learning & Teaching 

3-4 hours. S

During this training, participants are introduced to the core techniques of Theatre of the Oppressed and learn to facilitate exercises in an engaging and accessible manner. Participants will practice and "teach-back" games and exercises, receiving constructive feedback from both the leader and peers. The theatre activities promote the “de-mechanisation” of the body and mind: breaking free from societal patterns of action and thought that restrict our ability to be ourselves, secure our human rights, pursue our dreams, and lead our communities authentically. Participants will connect Theatre of the Oppressed tools to the specific issues of power and privilege affecting their community through dialogue and theatrical brainstorming.

FLegislative Theatre Demonstration

2.5- 4 hours online.

Refresh your understanding of the core structure and dramaturgy of Forum Theatre through an interactive demonstration, and explore the additional tools and analyses needed to transform a play about real-life situations into a platform for policy generation. Whether your goal is to abolish oppressive legislation or to change unofficial rules and practices impacting your community, Legislative Theatre offers a powerful approach to participatory democracy. Participants will leave with a solid grasp of the "WatchActVote" process, the fundamental steps of Legislative Theatre, and practical tips for applying these techniques in their own work.

Where we’ve guided…

TOSCOT Workshop clients include traditional educational institutions (high schools and universities), organisations seeking to re-examine privilege beyond typical DEI training, and artist collectives in search of new tools. We are always enthusiastic about partnering with community organisers and are actively seeking local collaborators for Creative Advocacy projects