Title
How do we talk about this?

Workshop description
This workshop will explore how to apply a range of theatre techniques and strategies to address challenging issues and topics.

Learning outcomes
• To create the space to have difficult conversations.
• To explore ways into addressing challenging topics practically (BLM, LGBTQ, other global issues).
• To learn tools, techniques and strategies that can be used in the classroom to develop ideas and issues into moments of theatre and performance.

How will the workshop benefit the teacher in their curriculum delivery?
We all experience challenging times where we try to make sense of the world. What is happening in our present? How do we fit into it? What will the future hold? With uncertainty and fear around us we need to have the tools to express how we feel and think. This workshop will explore how we can find our voice through Theatre to address some of the more challenging issues we feel reluctant to address.

Target audience
All MS and HS Theatre teachers.

I have worked for ISTA since 1999, was on the board of trustees for six years and am now an Honorary Life Member. Since 1999 I have hosted festivals on four continents (introducing ISTA to South America) and taken on the roles of creative director, Rep, teacher workshop leader, student ensemble leader for TaPS and artist in residence. I am principal examiner for the research presentation, Diploma theatre teacher trainer for the IB and a Kathakali workshop leader and performer.

During my 30 year international career I have been fortunate enough to work with many communities around the world to address issues through theatre. Through my work with a theatre company in Brazil, villages in Ethiopia, with children and mothers in slums in India, with asylum seekers in the UK, I have developed ways to implement theatre tools to explore challenging issues. Each experience has demanded a different approach (implementing the ideas of Boal among others). Learning how to enable people to have a voice, so they can address issues and bring about change for good, is one of the roads I continue to travel.

Event coordinator
Keriann O’Rourke

The workshop will take place using the platform Zoom.
Places are limited to 20 participants per workshop.
You will receive a link to the Zoom call the day before the workshop.

The cost of the session is GBP £30 per person.

Any materials shared with you prior to the workshop, such as the workbook. Plus anything requested by the workshop leader which will be shared with you a few days prior to the workshop.

Space requirements
If possible, please try to have a small amount of space near to you for any practical work.