Theatre of the Oppressed: Opposites

Activity

Warm up activities

Theatre of the Oppressed: Opposites

Tina Pippin

Warming up before class or after a break in a longer class. Encouraging use of the body, refreshes students’ bodies and minds.

Tech needed: No tech needed

Accessibility: Visual, Involves movement

Duration: 5-30 mins

Student preparation: None

Educator preparation: None

ACTIVITY PURPOSE

To activate students’ focus and mental flexibility through playful engagement. This activity helps students shift attention, sharpen concentration, and energise their bodies and minds- especially useful before class or after a break.

USEFUL FOR

Warming up before class or after a break in a longer class. Encouraging use of the body, refreshes students’ bodies and minds.

PREPARATION

None.

INSTRUCTIONS

Start with encouraging students to mirror the teacher’s movements, introducing a ‘duo’ of movements at a time (e.g. clap and stomp). At first, students mirror the teacher.
After they get used to mirroring, tell them to do the opposite. When the teacher says clap, they stomp. When the teacher says stomp, they clap.
Repeat 1&2 for different movement ‘duos’, including one popular one which is sway or wiggle and stop.
Do this for 3 or 4 rounds, combining all the movement duos you’ve accumulated.

DURATION

Can take 5-10 minutes.

ADAPTATIONS AND EXAMPLES

You can make this a regular thing you do each class, and encourage students to come up with their on’duos’.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Video conferencing if done online.

USEFUL RESOURCES

Theatre of the Oppressed is a collection of theatrical methods and activities designed to inspire individuals, foster dialogue, and provide a space where participants can practise taking action.

Boal, A. (2000). Theatre of the oppressed. Pluto Press.
Theresa Ronquillo’s Embody Change