Exploring Ourselves and Our Communities

Image Theatre Intensive

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – NOV 2007
FACILITATED AND DESIGNED BY: STEPHEN SILLETT & JENNIFER JIMENEZ

Theme Explored Disclosure of HIV Status

(CHOSEN BY GROUP DURING WORKSHOP)

Main Exercise The Image of Transition

(AN EXTENDED FORM OF THE PROCESS)

AIDING DR AMATIC CHANGE IN DEVELOPMENT, SUITE 215, 1000 KING STREET WEST, TORONTO, ON. CANADA M5V 3R7 W W W.ADCID.ORG
Foreword: this workshop involved the following organizations

DramAidE, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa AMIBIA

MPUMALANGA
MOZAMBIQUE

A non-profit organisation working in the HIV/AIDS field established in 1992 NORTH WEST
GAUTENG
SWAZILAND
and based at the universities of Zululand and KwaZulu-Natal.. The core business of
the organisation is to train on health issues especially in the area of HIV/ AIDS and
Lifeskills which includes sexuality education. They mainly utilise drama as a tool to SOUTH AFRICA
facilitate educational and very interactive workshops with various stakeholders. FREE STATE
KWAZULU NATAL

The Other Half Project, East London, South Africa NORTHERN CAPE
LESOTHO

Drama group and male dialogue circles based at the Ikhwezi-Lokusa HIV/AIDS
Wellness Centre, in East London. This community led initiative is suppor ted by
Niagara College in Canada and connects with the Walter Isulu University.

Zisize Educational Trust, Ingwavuma, South Africa EASTERN CAPE

Adult drama group using Image Theatre and Forum Theatre, based at The Zisize
Educational Trust, Ingwavuma, Northern Maputaland.. The group uses physical WESTERN CAPE

theatre, image theatre and forum theatre in its devising process and workshops
The group tours schools and runs workshops in the Ingwavuma area.

Aiding Dramatic Change in Development, Toronto, Canada

Non-profit organization providing strategies and support for organizations who want
to use drama, par ticipatory processes and forum theatre methodologies to aid
sustainable, community development.

To all who made this workshop possible.

We would like to thank the Canada Council for the Ar ts for their travel assistance
Mawethu Zita from The Other Half Project and DramAidE for organising the venue
and accommodation. We would also like to thank DramAidE for taking Zisize and
Other Half members around Durban, this was for most their first visit to Durban.
We look forward to continued collaboration between all involved, sharing
best practices and engaging in dialogues that address social issues.
CONTENTS “One cannot look directly at the truly
big human issues any more than one

Foreword: details on participant’s organizations can look directly at the sun . B etween the
sun and where you are looking is the

Part I: introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 perception of the sun .

In art and in the theatre we use metaphor

• structure & theory of workshop
as the thing to the side. Through metaphor

Part II: preliminary exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 we see the truth in our condition”.

(Ann Bogart)
• introducing image theatre and mood drawings
• primer exercise, stepping from reality to desired reality
AUTHORS:
Part III: main exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 Stephen Sillett
• process for choosing the theme and

• constructing an image around Disclosure of HIV Status Jennifer Jimenez

• transformation by the Sculptors
Graphic Design, Video/Photography: Stephen Sillett
• non-verbal methods to probe the image
• transformation by the Actors
• analysis of video displayed as key frames FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE APPROACHES
• analysis displayed within photographic timeline DESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT PLEASE CONTACT:
Aiding Dramatic Change In Development,
Part IV: outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 1 7 Suite 215, 1000 King Street West,
• theme and methodology Toronto, ON. Canada M5V 3R7
Tel: +1 416 823 4957
• additional outcomes [email protected] [email protected]

Appendix: further reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20

• bibliography and details of other training resources
 Exploring Ourselves and Our Communities

Part I: introduction

iding Dramatic Change In Development

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Introduction: structure and theory of workshop 5

Overview
This 3-day workshop provided a forum for sharing skills and knowledge of drama Image Theatre is designed to develop individual
facilitation and explore the potential of image theatre as a tool for empowerment. skills of observation and self- reflection , and
The workshop exercises were ordered with the intention of building a critical mass of cooperative group interaction . L eadership- building
knowledge regarding the process, while going deeper into a chosen theme. The main and consensus- building games and techniques
focus was an advanced image theatre technique based on Augusto Boal’s “Image
explore relations of power and group solutions to
of Transition” and David Diamond’s “Your Wildest Dream”. This approach to the
technique included methodologies devised specifically for this workshop, and aimed concrete problems through “living body imagery.”
to facilitate deeper exploration of an issue with a view to developing a forum play. Discussions begin through the language of images ,
LANGUAGE offering a fresh approach to power analysis and

The workshop was facilitated in English so we established an agreement of regular new opportunities for the exchange of ideas .
discussion and reiteration amoung members of the group in Xhosa and Zulu languages. (TOPLAB , New York)
As well as benefiting those with less English the process of translating words and
phrases across 3 languages illuminated the techniques and themes being explored.

NATURE OF THIS REPORT

This report is experimental in nature and aims to give an overview of the workshop, Image theatre is a technique that privileges physical
and also acts as a tool for other practitioners hoping to use image theatre to explore issues expression over the spoken word. Through a series of
in their community.
workshop- based exercises , the human body is used as
Hopefully, the design of this report presents the exercises and their analysis in a way an expressive tool to represent, non -verbally, a wide
that resonates with Theatre of the Oppressed and participatory theatre practitioners. .
repertoire of feelings , ideas , and attitudes . /.../ They are
FEEDBACK often instrumental in creating trust and providing
In addition, there are some interesting outcomes relating to the Disclosure of HIV Status
visceral cues regarding the themes being investigated.
and possibilities for this to be explored further which could be of interest to those working
(Schutzman and Cohen-Cruz 1994)
in the fields of environmental health, development and HIV/AIDs We would love to
receive feedback on the themes explored during this workshop ([email protected]), and
any ideas regarding developing this work further.
 Exploring Ourselves and Our Communities

Part II: preliminary exercises

iding Dramatic Change In Development

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Preliminary exercises: introducing image theatre and mood drawings 7

Complete the Image

We used variation of the image theatre technique “Complete the Image” with two INTRODUCES NON-VERBAL DIALOGUE.
people shaking hands. The rest of the group watch as spect-actors1. Another DEMONSTRATES HOW “BODY IMAGES” CAN
member from group tags out one of the people in the image. This person then TRANSFORM THROUGH A SERIES OF ITERATIVE STEPS.
creates a new pose and thus a new image. This process continued with differ-
ent members of the group taking the opportunity to enter the image.
Spect-actor is a term created to describe the dual role
1

of those involved as both spectator and actor , as they

Introducing Mood Drawings – Part 1
both observe and create dramatic meaning and action in
Participants were given paper and asked to draw in black ink the following a forum theatre performance.
concepts using only lines and shading: jealousy, hate, masculine, feminine, passion,
Equally, the term ‘spect-actor’ can be attributed to the
peace. They were not to draw literal images or symbols, just to use line and
participants in image theatre (who, upon viewing the
shading to represent their feeling in an abstract way. The participants then com-
image created, may alter it to reflect their own ideas).
pared drawings which revealed the common visual grammar we all share.

Sequenced Images of Oppression

Sequenced Images of Oppression is excellent for
Following a discussion about oppression all participants were asked to silently think
engaging each and every member in a personal way
of an oppression they identify with and feel interested in exploring. Having a personal
connection to the oppression is more important than thinking of a “big” oppression. This without the fear of disclosure. When this technique
allows participants to explore a personal oppression, without the need for disclosure. has been implemented in grade 7-8 classrooms by

the Zisize D rama G roup, we aim for 3 facilitators

THE TECHNIQUE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
Forming personal group images to be working with 15–25 participants .

Verifying and developing personal image

Presentation of sequenced images
Democratically selecting image that resonates most with group ALLOWS EXPLORATION OF OPPRESSION.
Spect-actors observing and projecting onto image DEVELOPS PERSONAL SELF-REFLECTION.
Assessing different viewpoints & power structures
INVOLVES DESCRIBING THE LANGUAGE OF OUR BODIES.

Introducing Mood Drawings – Part 2 INTRODUCES OBJECTIVE & SUBJECTIVE OBSERVATION.

Each participant created a mood drawing to represent their image of oppression as
experienced during Sculptures of Multiple Oppressions. We then reflected on these
drawings and discussed how mood drawings would feature later in the main exercise.
Preliminary exercises: stepping from reality to desired reality 8

Image of Transition - a shortened version

We split the overall group three ways: DramAidE (group of 8), The Other Half (group INTRODUCES THE CONCEPT OF TRANSFORMING
of 4), and Zisize Drama (group of 3). All three groups worked independently on “GROUP IMAGES” THROUGH A SERIES OF ITERATIVE STEPS.
the exercise. After the exercise we unpacked issues raised and the technique itself,
DEVELOPS SKILLS IN GAINING GROUP CONSENSUS.
and identified aspects of the process that will feature in the extended exercise.

THE TECHNIQUE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS:

GROUP IMAGE OF REALITY
When ready, a volunteer in each group sculpts an image depicting the issue – all the
group, including person sculpting are positioned in the image. This is done in silence.
Another member of the group image steps-out, and walks around image, assessing it. This
new sculptor makes any changes they feel “improve” this representation of the issue We recommend this technique is simultaneously
– or makes a new “more real” group image. performed by three or more groups , each of which
One-by-one members of the group follow the process of assessing and is selected to be as homogenous as possible This is
making changes to the image. This continues until all members of the because we find the most illuminating outcomes of
group “accept” the image created. Groups remember this real image.
this exercise, result from comparisons between group
GROUP IMAGE OF DESIRED REALITY approaches rather than unpacking one group in detail .
Group members think of a desired situation, where the oppression depicted in
their previous real image no longer exists. A volunteer creates a group a short
distance from the first showing this desired reality. The image is then silently
developed and verified using the same process used for the image of reality.

TRANSITIONAL STEPS FROM REALITY TO DESIRED REALITY

Starting from the image of reality, group create approx. five transitional images, which bridge
the ideal image and desired reality. Participants can verbally discuss when creating these images.

PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION

Groups present their transitions to each other and explain what was happening
in their respective transitional. Spect-actors can hot seat people in images to gain
a greater insight into the transformations that have, or have not occurred.
 Exploring Ourselves and Our Communities

Part III: main exercise - Extended form of Image of Transition

iding Dramatic Change In Development

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Main exercise: process for choosing the theme 10

Brainstorming themes
The initial phase of the main exercise in the workshop involved the group GROUP GAINS A SENSE OF THEIR COLLECTIVE
discussing shared issues and choosing themes. These chosen themes were EXPERIENCES AND WHICH ISSUES THEY FEEL
then clarified amoung the group members and defined further. PASSIONATE ABOUT.

THE GROUP SUGGESTED THREE SEPARATE THEMES:

1) Disclosure of HIV/AIDS status
2) Abuse­­– focussed on emotional abuse at work
3) Transactional sex
When expanding on each theme the group highlighted 20-30 different concepts
associated with each theme, a process which took over two hours. These details
B rainstorming process can generate many ideas and
were recorded onto chart by the facilitator. Once we were satisfied that the group
it is important to allow this process to reveal the
had broken down their themes thoroughly, we ended day one of the workshop.
difficulties and not seek to define solutions . The
Choosing one theme non -verbal dialogue of the image theatre exercise
On Day 2 (following warm-up exercises) we proceeded to select one of the three is where these ideas are looked at more deeply.
themes from previous day to be our theme for the workshop.
The group chose Disclosure of HIV Status.

Narrowing down points raised in the brainstorm

From the large number of points relating to Disclosure of HIV Status, the group was
asked to select a few points with which to frame the issue. This process refined the
group’s definition of the theme.

SELECTED POINTS RELATING TO THEME

Brand Name, Blame, Alienation, Self-hatred, Support, Lack of Motivation,
GROUP DISCUSSED HOW THESE IDEAS TRANSLATED
Judging Person as Sexually Active, Lack of Information.
BETWEEN ENGLISH, XHOSA AND ZULU. ENSURING
Group was now ready to explore theme and in the context of the workshops main EVERYONE HAD CLEAR DEFINITION OF THE THEME..
image theatre technique.
Main exercise: constructing an image around Disclosure of HIV Status DRAMATIC CHANGE 11

“Body image” representing disclosure of HIV status “BODY IMAGES” REPRESENTING HOW GROUP
ENVISIONS THE ISSUE OF DISCLOSURE OF HIV STATUS
The members of the workshop started, by facing the space where the group model relating IN THEIR COMMUNITY WORK.
to Disclosure of HIV Status would be created. When a member of the group had an idea
for the image, they selected –non-verbally– a member from the group and formed them
into an image. Another member of the group built on this image, using the actors already in A
the image, or selecting other members of the group. Some changes were accepted, some
revised, and others discarded during this process. Throughout this non-verbal dialogue all
group members were involved, it took several minutes, and involved many series of changes
by members of the group. To reduce ambiguity all sculptors keep viewing the image from
the same direction. Eventually, the group agreed upon model of reality.
(See Photograph A).
We then took a black and white photograph which was printed and stuck on the wall. In
this part of the process, the participants selected for the image had no direct input. They
became generous actors allowing the group to project ideas onto them; adopting the
positions into which he or she was sculpted. However, the facilitators explained that their
role was far greater, and that mentally they needed to be thinking about the image. The
actors were both, a passive object, through which the group position their dialogue, and B
thinking actors, trying to understand the characters within the image. Although the actors
are disadvantaged because they are unable to see the image being created from the
outside, they do witness being within the image from the specific viewpoint of their character.

Desired image representing disclosure of HIV status

Desired Model relating to Disclosure of HIV Status. Next, group created a second image a
short distance from the first, using the same actors as in the model of reality. This represented
another possible reality, the desired reality. This was a consensus image showing what the group
desired the reality to be. Then we took a photograph which was put on the wall.
(See Photograph B).
 Main exercise: transformation by the Sculptors 12

The image of reality is changed by the sculptors

Starting from the Image of Reality. the sculptors (one at a time) made changes to
one element in the image, each change is either accepted, amended or rejected by Clear group understanding was necessary to
the other sculptors.
allow this dialogue through images to move

Model is transformed to the Desired Model. forward. It is important to use non -verbal

These changes continued –without talking– until a gradual TRANSI- modes of dialogue at this stage.

TION from Real to Desired image we achieved.

PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING ONLY A FEW OF THESE STEPS.

A B (Day3)

B (Day 2)

Sculptor s iter atively c

hange image A into desired image of reality B
THE ENVISIONED IMAGE OF REALITY. ENVISIONED DESIRED IMAGE
Group recreate & clarify consensus image (slightly amended on day 3)
Main exercise: non-verbal methods to probe the image 13

The inclusion of mood drawings MOOD DRAWINGS SELECTED FOR EACH CHARACTER
Participants silently created a mood drawing for each of the four characters in their model.

Choosing resonant mood drawing for each character

These drawings were then labelled by actor, and collected into four piles and the
par ticipants then examined each pile of drawings and removed, through a facilitated
process of elimination, the mood drawing they felt least represented that character. As
might be expected, this process led to conflicts of opinion; however eventually a single
drawing was selected for each character.

Presenting the chosen mood drawings A

The chosen drawings were then presented above the photograph of reality on
the wall. In doing so it became clear that it was necessary to orientate the drawing,
and the orientation chosen was again through concensus.

Helping the actors understand their role

This was all par t of the process of educating the actors in an aesthetic way, and without
verbally describing the rational of the sculptors. This experiment provided additional insight
into the characters.
Leading up to this stage in the process, the creation and transformation of the body images
had only been executed by the sculptors. However, the spect-actors have obviously been
present inside the image (for without them there would be no image), and experienced
the process from the perspective of that character. We asked the actors to continually
reflect (internally) on the power dynamics in the image and what the image represents to It is the reality of the image, in relation
their character. Our aim was for the mood drawings to enhance this process of reflection to the theme that is important, not

creating the exact image of reality.

It is possible to use objects as well as people to

represent ideas in the image
Main exercise: transformation by the Actors 14

Actors reform “body image” representing the model of reality

Their task was then to transform from image A (the model of reality) to image B (the CLICK IMAGE FOR TRANSFORMATION BY ACTORS
model of desired reality) using a series of iterative steps. The actors need to be aware of
the other members of the image and be present to the space - the process they followed
has much in common with improvisations and forum theatre interventions. However, this is
all done non-verbally.

Following the will and counter-will of each character

The actors were instructed to move following the will of their character, which in some
cases may not mean a movement in the direction of the desired model. They were asked
to think how their character would behave in the situation presented by the image. If the
actors imagined their role in the image as metaphorical, rather than literal then they were
asked to embody the metaphorical will. Each actor is asking themselves questions about
the situation and with the eventual desired model in mind the actors keep moving one
step at a time. Unlike the transitions made by the sculptors, which tend towards a linear
progression of steps from A to B, the actors go on a journey with many twists and turns.

Iterative steps
The movements of the actors were signalled by a clap and the steps taken needed
to maintain a steady rhythm and involve clearly defined decisions . The time
http://youtu.be/dqmwm74E7Oo
between the steps needed to be sufficient so that each actor could assess their
situation, but also rapid enough to ensure they were still acting in the moment.
To watch transitions click on picture (page right)

A B
Actors Tra n s ition r Characters
MODEL OF REALITY acc of th e i Desired Model of Reality
ordi
Embodying ng to the WILL Embodying
Disclosure of HIV Status Disclosure of HIV Status
Main exercise: analysis of video displayed as key frames 15

1:35
MODEL OF REALITY

0:03

This represents the target image of desired

reality, which the actors journeyed toward

1:16 D is REJECTED by C MODEL OF DESIRED REALITY

1:58
4:15
A PASSES PAPER to D

0:15

D FULLY accepts PAPER

D has REALISATION
ACCEPTANCE by D
C EMBRACES D (END)

0:51 3:49

D ACCEPTS PAPER
D feels FEAR DENIAL

D is OSTRACISED by B B CHANGES ATTITUDE

Main exercise: temporal analysis using photographic time-line on wall 16

TIME-LINE ON WALL SHOWING PHOTOGRAPHS, MOOD DRAWINGS AND ANALYSIS WATCHING VIDEO OF ACTOR’S TRANSITION

DETAILS OF TIME-LINE ANALYSIS FROM VIDEO

POSITIVES PROGRESS

NEGATIVES PROBLEMS
 Exploring Ourselves and Our Communities

Part IV: outcomes

iding Dramatic Change In Development

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Outcomes: theme and methodology 18

Insight into Disclosure of HIV Status DIAGRAM SHOWING WHAT EACH ACTOR FELT
THEY REPRESENTED IN THE IMAGE
At the end of the workshop we had a period of reflection and discussion. It was mentioned
that the diverse factors that underlie social issues can leave communities feeling powerless,
or following blindly the advice of external bodies. There was general agreement that the (A) Public Health Worker
workshop did manage to demonstrate an approach to deconstruct complex information (C) Female in Community
within the local context., and demonstrated a powerful problem solving tool. (B) Male in Community
This was primarily a training workshop, rather than a research study, however, there was
time to identify a couple of interesting features in the data generated. during the transfor-
mation by the actors.
Time taken for (D) to accept the contents of the paper (see page 15)
The process of being passed the paper, accepting the paper, fully accepting the paper,
and then final acceptance of the information on the paper lasted 2 minutes. We feel
this indicates the individual journey of accepting their personal HIV Status is a key step,
and barrier, to possible disclosure of HIV status. In addition, the alienation/frustration of
other community members appeared to reach an impasse until this acceptance occurs.

SUPPORT AND EMBRACE OF (D) (see page 15)

It was also interesting that the intuitive desire to comfor t (D), does not feature as a key
point of intervention until the very end of the transformation.
Paper containing (D) character facing issue
Potential avenues for further exploration details of HIV Status of Disclosing HIV Status
We would like to see further work carried out to compare and contrast how gender affects
the process of disclosure – our model featured a female protagonist.
Also, how is disclosure dealt with by different age groups.
B ecause the facilitator neither sculpted, or
Feedback regarding Image Theatre as a tool transformed the “body images” their meaning
A concern of DramAidE related to how directly this could translate into their work. We needs to be unpacked by the participants .
discussed how this exercise is rather too involved for school groups, but that aspects of
the process are used by the Zisize Drama Group. In addition, by gaining an insight into During the unpacking process , the facilitator
the shared experiences of practitioners, this knowledge can help guide their practice. should not project their ideas onto the images
Outcomes: additional outcomes 19

New experiments with Image theatre

We adapted the work of David Diamond and used Black and White photographs placed
on the wall. This helped the continuity of process, and we feel that black and white is
preferable to colour as it gives a more metaphoric rather than naturalistic representation
than colour photography. Issues regarding 2-dimensional representation of 3-dimensional
“body images” is an area for further research.
The mood drawings was a highlight of the workshop, and allowed the group a fresh
approach to assessing the subject aesthetically. The implementation options for the mood
drawings could be expanded, such as selecting the drawings created by the actors and
sculptors separately. We look forward to the opportunity to do this in a future workshop.
The use of video to unpack information was vital to the workshop and we recommend
using this approach for the future. We see opportunities to develop the implementation
of this method. We use image theatre extensively in the devising process, and are keen
to collaborate to create a piece of forum theatre on disclosure of HIV status using the
narrative shown in the video. We believe that the material generated is sufficiently rich to
proceed towards creating a community specific forum performance which could stimulate
dialogue in communities around the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Collaboration following workshop

In Jan 2008, eighteen members of the Driven Force drama group (part of the Other
Half project in East London) visited Ingwavuma for a workshop on devising, per-
forming and facilitating forum theatre performances. (see photos on page 20)
Appendix: further reading 20

Bibliography USING IMAGE THEATRE AT THE WOMEN’S CENTRE,

Ann Bogart, Tina Landau (2006) Ingwavuma. Jan 2008
The Viewpoints Book: Practical Guide to Viewpoints & Composition. Theatre Communications Group.
Ann Bogart (2007).
And Then, You Act: Making Art in an Unpredictable World. Routledge.
Betty Edwards (1987)
Drawing on the Artist Within. Fireside Publishing.
Augusto Boal (2002)
Games for Actors and Non-Actors. (2nd Edition). Routledge.
Augusto Boal (1994)
The Rainbow of Desire: The Boal Method of Theatre and Therapy. Routledge
David Diamond (2007)
Theatre For Living: The Art & Science of Community-Based Dialogue. Trafford
Gunther Kress, Theo Van Leeuwen (1996)
Reading Images: Grammar of Visual Design. Routledge.

Centres for image theatre training

Theatre of the Oppressed Lab based in New York, USA. (www.toplab.org)
A collective of educators, theater workers and artists who have extensively trained
and collaborated with Augusto Boal, founder of the Theater of the Oppressed.
Cardboard Citizens, London, UK (www.cardboardcitizens.org)
The UK’s only homeless people’s professional theatre company and the leading practitioner of
Forum Theatre in the UK.
Another RSA Partner using Forum Theatre to address HIV/AIDS
Tholulwazi Life Changers, Tholulwazi Uzivikele, Manguzi, KwaZulu-Natal (www.tuproject.org)
This group uses drama to enable HIV testing in schools around Northern KwaZulu-Natal.