Poor Unfortunate Theater: Crash Course Theater #48

The video explores two transformative theater models: Jerzy Grotowski's Poor Theater and Augusto Boal's Theater of the Oppressed. Grotowski's approach focuses on personal discovery and ritualistic elements, eliminating theatrical conventions to emphasize the actor's body and presence. Boal's method empowers audiences to engage in social change through participatory theater, encouraging them to become 'spect-actors' and propose solutions to social issues. Both models aim to break down barriers between actors and audiences, though they differ in their ultimate goals: Grotowski seeks self-knowledge, while Boal pursues social justice.

What is a common goal of both Grotowski's and Boal's theater movements?

• To create a more immersive experience for the audience

• To enhance the use of costumes and sets

• To increase the use of technology in theater

• To focus on traditional storytelling methods

What is a defining characteristic of Grotowski's Poor Theater?

• Use of elaborate costumes

• Focus on the actor's physical and emotional expression

• Incorporation of advanced lighting techniques

• Reliance on musical accompaniment

What was Grotowski's view on the use of theatrical elements like costumes and sets?

• They are essential for a successful performance

• They should be minimized to focus on the actor

• They should be as elaborate as possible

• They are irrelevant to the theater experience

In Grotowski's 'Akropolis,' what is the setting of the play?

• A modern city

• A concentration camp

• A medieval castle

• A futuristic landscape

What was the impact of Grotowski's 'Akropolis' on its audience?

• It was a silent performance

• It was a light-hearted comedy

• It left the audience too upset to applaud

• It was a musical extravaganza

What was Augusto Boal's primary aim with the Theater of the Oppressed?

• To focus on historical reenactments

• To entertain audiences with comedy

• To empower audiences to address social issues

• To create visually stunning performances

What innovative concept did Boal introduce to involve the audience in his plays?

• The use of holograms

• The digital actor

• The spect-actor

• The silent observer

How did Boal's Theater of the Oppressed differ from traditional theater?

• It relied heavily on scripted performances

• It encouraged audience participation and interaction

• It was performed exclusively in theaters

• It focused on elaborate stage designs

What was a significant influence on Boal's development of his theater methods?

• The works of Shakespeare

• The pedagogy of Paulo Freire

• The music of Beethoven

• The paintings of Picasso

What was a key difference between Grotowski's and Boal's theater approaches?

• Both focused on traditional theater methods

• Grotowski emphasized self-discovery, while Boal emphasized social justice

• Grotowski focused on social justice, while Boal focused on self-discovery

• Both avoided audience interaction