Goal: The class was divided in groups of 4 and 3, and for each group there was a specific reading. By the end of three weeks, we had to come up with a narrative project.
1) Required Reading:
Theater of the Opressed, Augusto Boal
Notes:
From Theater of the Oppressed:
The theater of oppressed was developed by Augusto Boal as a way to help oppressed communities to overcome some traumas or fears. In those plays, the spectators assume an active role in the way the story goes.
It’s usually divided into the following parts:
First Degree: Simultaneous Dramaturgy
The actors perform a short scene about a situation that has helped to one of the members of the community. Than they discuss with the public about what could have been done differently by the main character to deal with it. As the possibilities start to be discussed, they perform them by improvisation and they only stop by the time everybody agrees that they have arrived on the best solution.
Second Degree: Image Theater
At this part, the spectator has to express his view on a certain theme of common interest by “sculpting” the actors and other spectators. He is not allowed to use words. Then he has to create two more images: the ideal situation and what should be done. After this, every body can make a change. On the end, they have to agree with on image of the process.
Third Degree: Forum Theater
This is the part where the spectator have to interfere more. While the actors are simulating a happening that has occurred to the community, those that are not satisfied with the flow have to intervene and replace the actors, to do what he thought it would be the best thing to do. And then everybody continues the scene with this new change.
Fourth stage:
The Theater as Discourse
a) Newspaper Theater
Some new is rode an performed in different ways so the meaning of the new can be detached from its interlocutor. It can be shown as a music, as a drama, as crossed reading, etc.
b) Invisible Theater
A group of actors perform a scene at a every day place with people in their regular activities. The point is that nobody will ever know that this was a performance, except the actors.
c) Photo Romance
It’s a story created through pictures.
I can’t believe they’re finally getting married! They’ve been dating for almost ten years and the engagement has lasted forever. I guess they were saving money for the party and apartment. There was a time when the bride’s family was responsible for the whole ceremony, but this days are gone. Usually the brides organize the most part of it, because that’s how we woman are: we like to plan, but it’s more then welcome when the groom wants to cooperate, instead of only sharing the bill.
Even the engagement party was only a small dinner to the family, I couldn’t go, but it’s not even necessary, just another reason to celebrate and to formalize the commitment. After all these years, it’s the least you can do!
Beliefs and traditions
I wonder how this procedure has begun and has changed over time. From my history classes, I remember that people used to get married to increase and maintain fortune inside families. But then the christian church has changed it in a way that now, it is one of the most sacred steps on a devoted life.
But at the same time everybody wants to get married on a church, because apparently it’s beautiful, no one respects the belief behind it, which is: you have to be virgin when you get married, only have sex for reproduction, go to church every sunday and be devoted to your religion. At least, no one I know respect all of these requirements, but they still want to use all traditional symbols: the white dress to represent purity, the veil, which only virgins are supposed to use and separates your previous life from the current one, the garland, so the bride looks like a queen and the bouquet, to represent fertility (even though having a baby is not the point anymore).
But it repeats all over again… My friends have already pasted their names on the bottom of the bride’s dress so they can be luck to find a husband and I bet that everybody will be fighting for the bouquet as soon as the brides throughs it away! The fact is that, despite all the beliefs and traditions, we still live on a conservative society that expects people to get married and reproduce. I know it’s changing, but it’s a long way until we don’t judge those that don’t want to follow these steps.
Attire/Dress code
Anyway, time to stop over thinking and be practical: what am I going to wear? This is a formal wedding, so I probably should chose my long satin dress. I know that nowadays people don’t respect it at all. There’ll be girls wearing ridiculous short dresses and guys not wearing suits, as they’re supposed to. But I like the bride too much and I know how much work she has had to make this party come true, I want to honer it and be as elegant as possible. I’m glad that I could book my hairdresser, makeup and manicure for today.
Music
Some churches order that the music to be played during the ceremony are limited to sacred musics, played with piano and harps, sometimes violin. I think it’s lovely and provides the whole place with an angelical atmosphere. The moment when the brides appear with her dad entering the church with Nuptial March as a soundtrack takes my breath away. It’s just funny that during the party, we will only listen to american flashbacks and brazilian dancing musics. Perhaps they called a cover band to plan. I can wait, I want to dance until my feet start to hurt. Hopefully, they will provide the guest with flip flops during the party. I love when they do that!
Wedding
But here in the church, it couldn’t be more perfect. Everything is covered with lilies and there’s a very sweet smell on the air. The band is already playing and the groom is waiting stead with the best mans and family. As soon as the bride comes at the red carpet, they will start to say the vows. The whole ceremony usually takes thirty minutes, except when it’s a very orthodox church. It’s a shame that not all the guest go to the wedding, only for the party, where they serve food. This is a magical moment.
Party
The party must be for four hundred guests! It’s a party’s house and it’s all covered with flowers. The guests arrive before the groom and bride, and they’ll have to compliment everybody. I look for a table. Although I know that I will be dancing for hours, it’s good to have a place to leave your purse and where you can seat when they serve the dinner. It’s a good way to meet new people also. There’s a limited place to dance, and that’s where I go. But there’s always those people that keep seated all time. Although it’s Brazil, not everybody likes to dance.
Food
As a dinner they served a small buffet with pasta and beef. There’s also some salad but I didn’t try. But the cocktail is delicious, they even served japanese food. The champagne is been served all the time, but for those who like beer and wine, there’s also this possibility. In my part, I cannot wait until it’s midnight and the cake is cut and served. this is also the time when we can go to the candies’ table. my favorite part! Weddings are the only opportunity that we have to try “well-married”, the best sweet thing ever. It’s a small little cake stuffed with dolce de leche. I don’t understand why it’s only served in weddings, I should take at least five to home. Who knows when is it going to be the next party?
