Making strange for social change
Bertolt Brecht was a German political theatre practitioner who found it strange that people don't seem to notice the injustice around them. He created a unique style of theatre to make these things stand out just a little bit more.
Making Strange for Social Change looks at Epic Theatre, "Verfremdungseffekt" (or the making strange technique) and using theatre as a tool for social change. Your group will:
• Discuss social status and the effect it has on how we view each other
• Learn Gestus (physical embodiments of social status) and how it can be used to develop a character
• Explore the tools of "Verfremdungseffekt" and use them to create an Epic Theatre fairy tale
TOTB WORKSHOP FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS
“My students loved the workshop… Best drama class so far this semester.”
— Yvonne Freundl (Drama Teacher, St. Boniface Diocesan High School)
“Very professional and energetic and wow, were they able to accomplish a lot in the mere 55 minutes I was able to give them.”
— Carrie Gillis, Drama Teacher, Miles Macdonell Collegiate)
“The workshop was interactive, informative, and it meant so much to the youth to see arts professionals living their dreams and really making a vocation out of their justice work.”
— Devon Spier, Peace Camp Coordinator, Conrad Grebel University College
REQUIREMENTS
TIME 1 - 2 hours
PARTICIPANTS 10-40
INSTRUCTORS 1 facilitator / 30 students
DRAMA EXPERIENCE Some required
SPACE One large room