WHAT: Theatre of the Oppressed workshop @ The LAVA Center
WHEN: every 2nd Friday, 7–8:30 p.m.; first one February 13, 2026
WHERE: The LAVA Center, 324 Main St., Greenfield
https://www.facebook.com/events/2312826335862819
CONTACT: info@thelavacenter.org or 413-376-8118
GREENFIELD, MA — The LAVA Center is proud to present a monthly free drop-in Theatre of the Oppressed workshop, facilitated by Ash Goverman, which takes place every second Friday evening from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
The workshop is based in the work of Augusto Boal, who developed Theater of the Oppressed in Brazil inspired by Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Boal describes theater as “rehearsal for the revolution.” His method transforms the audience from passive spectators into “spect-actors,” empowered to explore solutions to oppressive personal, social and political problems through theater and improvisation.
Participants will use Boal’s games as a tool for power analysis. The workshop will offer image theatre and forum theatre as methods for societal examination through our bodies, rather than cerebrally; in community, rather than in isolation. Theatre of the Oppressed is a connective tool for community engagement and for embodied anti-perfectionism. Boal’s methods guide us to explore, analyze and ultimately transform our lived reality.
Ash Goverman is a theatre director, teaching artist and arts coordinator. She has studied Theatre of the Oppressed with Christina Marin.
This event is free of cost. Donations are appreciated. Questions? Email ash@thelavacenter.org.
The LAVA Center is a community arts space in Greenfield, MA whose mission is to create opportunities and build inclusive community in and through the arts and humanities. We are focused on making The LAVA Center a space where all artists, including marginalized communities and individuals, can have their voices heard. The LAVA Center is located at 324 Main St., in downtown Greenfield, MA. https://thelavacenter.org