Theatre of the Oppressed Needs to Include Those of Us with Disabilities

Lunch with a Japanese theatre director, a German scholar of theatre and communications, an English socialist magician(!) and an Australian secondary school drama teacher. What a range of experiences and ideas! They were all fascinated by my earlier “cracker barrel” on social justice work on behalf of–and working beside– people with disabilities, especially my use of theatre techniques to help the “oppressed of the oppressed” (as Hans called those of us with disabilities and to which I agree) find and then use our voices to demand change in social and political policies.

I had no idea that what I’ve been doing for nearly twenty years was considered so “revolutionary” in other countries.. Just proves what a sad state the world is really in for those of us who experience disability in our daily lives. Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed didn’t recognize nor sufficiently incorporate disability when it sought to mobilize the marginalized. Social class, race and gender were the primary targets. I’m here shedding light on the genuine intersectionality of disability and why that matters.

Advocating to bring the needs of PWD beneath its branches

I found myself discussing the hierarchy of disability, which many may deny but which I have certainly felt, seen and worked against and the dirty truth that within disability cultures, people with intellectual disabilities are generally perceived as at the bottom.

Having spent my time in special education, I experienced that first hand, and of course, spending 14 years Directing the Abuse Education and Prevention (Training) Unit for the State of Oregon exposed me to the political realities within the service system, but my real education in this had to be while serving as Chair of the Commission on Disabilities. I watched it play out by my peers with disabilities who were elected to represent the interests of their constituent groups. I remember working very hard to facilitate a different outcome, beginning with the idea that we should do some cross disability education among ourselves if we were to be effective within the general population.

As we talked of these things, it was if a light went on for the Japanese woman. She teared up and asked if she might email me later with some ideas she is just beginning to develop. Of course I said yes.

I’m grateful for the reception of my experiences and the things I have to offer and so glad not to feel like the outsider I was worried I might be.

Meanwhile, there are just so many amazing sessions to choose from every day that it is almost overwhelming, the brilliance surrounding me is incredible.

Tony Kushner, Tom Kuhl, Di Trevis and Thomas Bailey this evening in a round table discussion followed by the premiere of a dramatic fragment.

It’s all a bit awe inspiring and I’m just so happy!