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One of the most renowned examples of resistance theater happened during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Larry Kramer, the The Normal Heart playwright and activist, founded the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), in which demonstrators performed “die-ins”, where protesters lay down as if they were dead to represent the impact of AIDS-related deaths, and “kiss-ins”, where LGBTQ+ protesters kissed to stand up against discrimination based on sexual orientation. The group’s work successfully pushed for more HIV and AIDS research and worked to alleviate the stigma against the LGBTQ+ community.
Today, many cities have theaters that host community-based Theater of the Oppressed workshops, using Boal’s teachings to analyze social issues and encourage activism – from the Theater of the Oppressed NYC in New York City to Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Theatre of the Oppressed workshop in Berkeley,California.
“There’s a lot of time spent on building that trust and comfort with each other in the workshops,” Christiansen said. “People get motivated. They get excited about not only seeing issues that they’re experiencing but also being invited to the table to come up with solutions to the issue. It centers the people who are experiencing the problem.”
More resistance theater is on the way
Candela said the response to Unquiet has been very positive, with a nearly sold-out second show and a third one on the theme of devotion planned for this month. “Different writers can come in and give their interpretation of the theme, but it’ll always be about resistance and unquiet to give voice to that darkness,” Candela said.
Nottage hopes to get even more participation in the next