Topic 
In this research project, Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) is interpreted as a pedagogical tool that can be involved in the promotion of Global Citizenship Education and can sustain the critical capacity and the empowerment of communities. TO is a theatrical method founded by Augusto Boal between 1974 and 1975. The official systematization of the method occurred in Argentina during Boal’s exile. In that specific historical and political context, the situation in Latin America was complex. The militar dictatorship of the Gorillas took power in Brazil in 1964. Teatro Arena, based in São Paulo and directed by Boal, became a place where theatre was used as a tool to oppose the dictatorship. After brutal repression affected many members of Teatro Arena’s team, including Boal himself, most of the actors were forced to leave the country. For this reason, the method was then systematized in Argentina. It began spreading worldwide after Boal was again forced out of Argentina and head to Europe due to the establishment of a new military dictatorship.
Research Question 
The main research questions will investigate the relations between Theatre of the Oppressed and pedagogy, with a particular focus on Global Citizenship Education. Other questions are focused on how Theatre of the Oppressed can be a useful tool for training people working in the educational sector, how it can stimulate active citizenship and greater participation in social life and how such a tool can support collective imagination and stimulate social change. 
Objective 
The objective of this research is to explore the use of Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) as a pedagogical tool to empower individuals and communities. It aims to examine how this method can create moments of critical and collective reflection on the oppressive structures of society. Additionally, the research seeks to analyze how TO, particularly through the use of the body and Teatro Forum, can provide opportunities for experimenting with new ways of social interaction, encouraging both individual and collective change. 
Conceptual/Theoretical Framework 
The theoretical framework of this research draws connections between Theatre of the Oppressed and Paulo Freire’s pedagogical theories, particularly the concept of conscientization. This concept emphasizes the need for critical awareness of the power structures that oppress individuals. The study will explore the relationship between Boal’s and Freire’s ideas, focusing on pedagogy of oppression and the empowerment of the oppressed to confront and challenge these power dynamics. Furthermore, the research integrates recent critical contributions on the effects of neoliberal policies, which have led to social disintegration and individualism (Dardot, Laval, 2013; Fisher, 2017). These dynamics have caused the rupture of social bonds and a sense of helplessness. It is important to seek new ways that foster encounters with others, confront new forms of social oppressions and the resulting contraddictions. The main goal is reactivate the collective imagination with the aim of creating a different future for our societies. Theatre of the Oppressed, particularly through Teatro Forum, the use of the body and the study of the contraddictions that we daily experiment, provides a space for collective moments where imagination can be shared and acted out on stage, with the hope that such experiences will generate new, concrete life experiences. 

I will use a theoretical frame of reference that integrates specific aspects of Global Citizenship Education, critical pedagogy and an intersectional perspective, aiming to connect them to the educational question. Starting from this theoretical framework, I will apply qualitative methods such as research-training, case study methodology or participant observation. I plan to structure theatre workshops as a person that practice Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) and has experience in training groups using this method. Applying TO will concretely allow me to observe any results by considering the group of people participating in the workshop as the primary reference.

I expect to be able to observe how the application of the Theatre of the Oppressed methodology can serve as a preventive factor against the development of oppressive conditions within the educational context. Its pedagogical value will be emphasized by highlighting how TO is a practical tool to hinder the enactment of power dynamics that lead to social distinctions, discrimination, and marginalization. It will be underscored how this method challenges the social norms and customs we are accustomed to, stimulating social participation, collective and individual responsibility in the construction of Global Citizenship. Furthermore, I expect to observe how the techniques of TO’s arsenal, when applied in large groups, highlight the possibility of rebuilding social ties, solidarity and mutual aid, and how these elements can positively impact the empowerment of individuals and the reconstruction of a more equitable society.

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