“Forum Theatre in public space” consists of fostering a public discussion based on a conflictual situation performed through Forum Theatre. It was designed to foster collective debate about gender inequalities mechanisms and trigger individual action and problem-solving ability.

The play is crafted through a collective and creative investigation, drawing on real-life experiences, including stories from both the audience and the actresses. The play specifically examines daily challenges faced by women due to patriarchal systems, headlining how normalized this oppression has become in society.

By actively engaging the audience in problem-solving, Forum Theatre fosters a deeper understanding of social issues and empowers participants to envision alternatives.

Enumerate the key steps taken to implement this practice, such as stakeholder engagement, event design, participant selection, and execution.

To implement this event, the first step is engaging with a local feminist collective or group that aligns with the themes of gender-based discrimination and/or violence. Together, select a venue within their district and choose a suitable date, ideally on a weekend for better accessibility. Next, coordinate the necessary human and material resources, including artists, a Joker or facilitator, technical support, and the equipment needed for an outdoor performance.

The play should focus on issues related to gender, ensuring relevance to local experiences. To perform, at least 3 characters are crucial in Forum Theatre: The oppressor, the character who exercises the oppression, the oppressed, the character who experiences some form of oppression or conflict, and a secondary character, that serves to reinforce the story and might act as a passive witness, ally, or unintentional accomplice.

Communication before the event is necessary. To reach a wide and diverse audience, La Xixa recommends promoting the event through stakeholders, using social media, newsletters, and also direct invitations via WhatsApp or Telegram. On the day of the event, setup begins 2 hours before the performance, allowing early attendees to take their seats while support staff invites passersby to join the audience. Hosting the event outdoors is highly recommended, as performing in a public space encourages spontaneous participation from passersby, including individuals who may not be familiar with feminist topics, politics, or theatre. This helps to bring a wider range of perspectives and enriches the discussion by involving people from different backgrounds, as well as responding to cultural rights and civic participation for all citizens, supporting everyone to feel legitimate.

At the start, the Joker introduces themselves and the artists, explains the concept of Forum Theatre, and engages the audience with an interactive warm-up game. The play then begins, highlighting everyday instances of gender-based discrimination and violence that often go unquestioned. When the conflict in the play reaches its peak, the Joker pauses the performance, inviting audience members to become spect-actors/actresses, offering alternative solutions by acting out different outcomes.

The Joker guides the discussion, determining which proposals to explore. The spect-actor/actress steps into the role of the chosen protagonist at a specific moment in the play. This participatory process encourages critical reflection on the issues portrayed. Each new situation generates new debates and it creates opportunities for participants to relate to their own experiences, and share their feelings. The event concludes with the Joker thanking the artists and participants and leaving the audience with insights from the collective exploration.

• Enhanced ability to recognise and confront microaggressions and discrimination through real-life scenario rehearsals.
• Engaged with diverse perspectives on gender inequalities during open forums, deepening understanding of the issue’s complexity.
• Explored alternative solutions with a focus on non-violent responses.
• Reflected, from an intersectional perspective, on experiences shaped by patriarchal social models.
• Participants identified as men gained a greater awareness of the violence and discrimination faced by women due to their gender.
• Experienced a sense of community and belonging through shared stories in a safe, supportive environment.
• Developed empathy and critical thinking by stepping into others’ shoes.

• A grassroots feminist collective from the district to connect with a larger and more diverse audience beyond usual theatre or visual art attendees. This collaboration also enhances the legitimacy to perform within the area.
• At least 3 comedians familiars to Theatre Forum and in direct improvisation.
• One facilitator or joker involved in feminist activities.

Financial resources

• Salaries for the theatre company

Human resources

• At least 3 comedians familiar with Theatre Forum or a theatre company familiar with Forum Theatre method, able to present a play focused on gender discrimination.
• A Joker, a person linking the audience with the stage, especially during the forum. We recommend that this person is engaged in feminist issues and topics.
• A technician / technical support
• One person to coordinate the event: define the agenda, gather the needs of every stakeholder (the comedians, the collective), coordinate the service providers (technicians, municipality, etc)
• Staff to organise the space for the audience and the stage

Material resources

• Chairs for the audience
• A delimited space for actors and actresses to play
• A place for comedians to change clothes and go to the bathroom, store their personal items.

Because this play is performed in a public space: 

• Sound system and mixing table
• 1 microphone for every comedian and joker.
• 2 microphones for the audience.
• License to play in public space (depending on your local law)

Weather Conditions: Outdoor events are often at the mercy of unpredictable weather. This required flexibility, both in terms of adjusting the audience disposition and modifying the on-stage setup if needed.

Stakeholder Coordination: Managing a diverse array of stakeholders and support providers presented logistical complexities. Each group had different views on the event and requirements, and it was crucial to have clear communication and be flexible to maintain the event’s goals and co-construction.

Availability of Support Staff: It is essential to ensure the availability of teams and support staff well in advance, particularly since the event takes place on weekends. This requires pre-event coordination, as the on-site organisation often involves multiple roles, each with specific responsibilities.

Public Space and Noise Considerations: Performing in a public space requires sensitivity towards the surrounding neighbourhood. Noise levels had to be monitored closely to avoid causing major disturbances. Ensuring respectful engagement with the local community was essential for the event’s success.

Organising an initial in-person meeting with the feminist collective was important to establish a strong bond before the implementation phase. The event emerged from a collaborative planning and organisational process, with communication fine-tuned from the initial outreach to the final speaker on the day itself. As a result, the event flowed smoothly, with mutual support throughout the implementation.

Presenting the play during a local district festivity, in partnership with a feminist collective rooted in the community, further legitimised our presence. The visible display of both FEM-ABLE and the collective’s symbols reinforced the event’s professional yet accessible image. This was emphasised by the open-air format, which eliminated any prior requirements for attendance, making it inclusive rather than elitist.

Selecting a prominent location on the weekend was also strategic. The square where we performed was highly visible, situated at the intersection of two busy pedestrian streets, making it an ideal spot to attract Sunday passersby from the neighbourhood.

The practice exhibits significant potential for scalability and adaptability across various contexts and regions. The Forum Theatre method can be effectively implemented by anyone trained in it, making the activity accessible to diverse realities.

Adaptability to local contexts: To address specific regional issues, the content of the play should be tailored to reflect the experiences of women in that place. This ensures that the themes resonate with the audience, fostering a deeper connection and relevance.

Logistical flexibility: While the practice is ideally suited for outdoor settings, it can also be adapted for indoor venues. In enclosed spaces, the need for technical support, such as microphones and sound amplification, is often reduced or eliminated. This indoor approach can be particularly advantageous in inclement weather, although it may necessitate enhanced prior communication efforts, including on-site posters and displays to inform attendees.

Variety of settings: The Forum Theatre can be performed in multiple settings, including educational institutions (schools and universities), community centres, or public events. Additionally, the duration of the event is highly flexible, ranging from 30 minutes to 6 hours, as demonstrated by Mamadou Diol’s practices in Senegal.

Emotional Considerations: It is important to recognise that the impactful nature of the play may evoke strong emotional responses and potential conflict among participants. Therefore, facilitators must approach these discussions aware of their audience and with a deep understanding of the dynamics at play, ensuring a safe environment for all participants to engage in meaningful dialogue.