This 4-week course is designed as a broad introduction to the history and practices of Theatre of the Oppressed. TO is a set of theatre techniques that focuses on utilizing the audience as active participants and acting out ways to liberate oneself and others from oppressive situations. Participants will gain a basic working knowledge of image theatre, forum theatre, common TO games, real world applications, and history. All experience levels welcome. Great for theatre makers and performers, as well as advocates, healers, and justice seekers who want to explore the liberatory possibilities of theatre.

About the instructor: Cydney Marie (she/they) has been active in Southeast Michigan’s theatre community for over a decade. On top of her performance experience, Cydney has worked as a director, stage manager, and writer, and has staged multiple original shows, including solo work. She is currently serving on the entertainment subcommittee for Ypsi Pride, and in the past, she served on the board for Saline Area Players and coordinated drama activities at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Cydney recently completed a year of intensive study in ensemble-based devising and physical theatre at Dell’arte International, and is currently completing yoga teacher training at Zion Well. She has experience with styles such as Commedia Dell’arte, clown, neofuturism, and theatre of the oppressed, and recently presented at the Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed conference in Indianapolis. When she’s not haunting theatres, Cydney enjoys practicing various dance styles and circus arts, working out, writing, cooking, and exploring graveyards.