Forum Theatre — The anti-model in one minute

0. Group preparation (20–30 mins, before the session begins):

Before the session opens to the full group, the facilitator works with everyone to prepare. Explain Forum Theatre clearly: what the anti-model is, what the Joker does, and what spect-actors are invited to do. Together, identify or confirm a topic based on participants’ real experiences.

A small sub-group (4–6 volunteers) creates and rehearses the anti-model scene with the support of the facilitator, while the rest of the group becomes spect-actors. If the group is larger (10–12 participants), you can divide them into two groups, each creating and performing a different theatre scene.

Allow time for a short rehearsal and a warm-up (choose 2–3 activities from the additional chapter at the end of the Toolbox, depending on the group’s needs). Once everyone understands their role and the scenes are ready, the formal session can begin.

1. Introduction (10 mins):

Welcome the audience (this can include both young people who are not part of the play and members of the wider community) and explain the Forum Theatre concept. Emphasise that they will see a scene where someone faces oppression or injustice. After watching it once, they can intervene by shouting, ‘STOP!’ and stepping on the scene to try different solutions. Please clarify that there are no ‘magic’ solutions, as we are collaboratively exploring realistic possibilities. The Joker facilitates but doesn’t provide answers. This work is about collective wisdom and experimentation.

Roles in Forum Theatre

Joker (Facilitator):
The Joker guides the Forum Theatre process. They explain the rules, encourage audience participation, and keep the discussion constructive and respectful. The Joker does not give solutions but helps the group explore possibilities.

Protagonist
The protagonist is the main character who experiences oppression. They want to achieve something but are blocked by individuals, systems, or social norms. The story focuses on their struggle. IMPORTANT NOTE: Spect-actors can substitute this character, but not just change his/her personality or motivation fundamentally.

Oppressor(s):
Oppressors are the characters who maintain or reinforce oppression. They may act intentionally or unconsciously and often represent power structures (authority figures, institutions, social pressure). IMPORTANT NOTE: Spect-actors can’t substitute this character in their interventions.

Actors:

Actors perform the initial scene and replay it multiple times. They respond realistically to interventions, maintaining the logic of the situation rather than making it easy for the spectators to “win” (resolve the conflict/oppression).

Allies/Neutral Characters (optional):
These are characters who may support the protagonist or remain neutral. They help show how systems of oppression and inequality operate in daily life, and invite participants to rehearse possible actions for change in a safe environment. They can get a handle on the situation and become key figures in testing different strategies for change.

Spect-actors, also known as audience participants, are not passive spectators. They are invited to stop the performance, replace the protagonist, and try out alternative actions to change the situation. This practice turns spectators into “spect-actors”.

2. Present the anti-model (20 minutes):

Actors perform a prepared scene showing oppression or injustice. Examples may include workplace discrimination, bullying, family conflict, housing injustice, police harassment, educational barriers, and healthcare discrimination. The scene should end with the oppression unresolved and the protagonist unable to overcome the situation. Keep the scene realistic, relatable to participants’ actual experiences, and approximately 5–7 minutes long.

3. Initial Discussion – Joker’s Facilitation (10 minutes):

The Joker leads the analysis by asking: What happened in the scene? Who was oppressed? Who was the oppressor? What made it difficult for the protagonist to change the situation? What emotions did you observe? What power dynamics were at play? This critical analysis prepares participants for informed interventions.

4. Second presentation with interventions from the audience (40 minutes):

The scene is played again from the beginning. The Joker invites the spect-actors (the audience) to shout “STOP!” at any moment and step into the scene, replacing the protagonist to try a different approach. The Joker should also be ready to make the first “STOP!” if needed, to encourage participation, until the audience feels comfortable to step in and get involved.

Key rules:

• Spect-actors can only replace the oppressed character or the neutral actors, not the oppressor (we can only change ourselves, not force others to change)
• Actors stay in character and provide realistic resistance—no easy victories
• The Joker stops interventions that are ‘magical’ or unrealistic solutions (no Superman swooping in!).
• Multiple participants should try different approaches
• After each intervention (3-5 minutes), briefly discuss: What worked? What didn’t? Why? What might happen next?
• Encourage building on previous interventions