Students exploring “Image Theatre” in Theatre Arts Class

In Genius Hour Grade 6 students of Theater Arts learned about Image Theater which was a new learning for them. In Image Theatre, still images are used to explore abstract concepts such as relationships and emotions, as well as realistic situations.  This technique was developed by Augusto Boal. Participants rapidly sculpt their own or each others' bodies to express attitudes and emotions. These images are then placed together and 'dynamized' or brought to life. The method is often used to explore internal or external oppression, unconscious thoughts and feelings.

Students create physical images in response to a given theme, for example, bullying.  They should do this quickly, without pre-thought.  They are then invited to step into the center of the circle and remake their image.  Other students can now add in their own still images.  This could lead to an abstract group image or a tableau that is “dynamized” or brought alive through thought tracking or by adding sound or movement.

Learning about Image Theatre was fun.  We created different situations through images. While creating these images we were using one of the attitude “Creativity” – Kushi (grade VI)

We used non verbal communication and still we were able to communicate so well using these images” -  Aneesh (grade VI)

I felt confident when image created by me was appreciated by my classmates – Saarthak (grade VI)