Exploring the relationship between legislative theatre and critical participatory action research

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, we argue that Legislative Theatre processes, as presented by Boal in his book Legislative Theatre: Using Performance to Make Politics and initially implemented in Rio de Janeiro in 90’, can be considered (Critical Participatory) Action Research processes and conducted as such – depending on the approach of the process leader and their consciousness. We present the scope of Legislative Theatre as part of the techniques of the Theatre of the Oppressed, and we outline the common origins of Legislative Theatre and Action Research in the work of Freire, Boal, Moreno, and Lewin. We explore similarities and differences between their ideas to show where they are convergent and where they are not. In doing so, we aim to highlight the importance of the Action Research perspective for enhancing the work of social activists using Legislative Theatre. We consider the possible benefits and costs of such integration, and we conclude the paper with recommendations for further research.