Augusto Boal (1931-2009)
We dedicate this special issue to the memory of Augusto Boal, the Brazilian director and playwright whose 'Theatre of the Oppressed' inspired countless activists worldwide to bring theatre, art, media, and communication into their work for social change. Boal created a critical and mobilising kind of theatre for 'humanising humanity', where actors mix with people in the streets and on public transport, and spectators become 'spect-actors'. His work spread to many countries and evolved into methods like Forum Theatre, Legislative Theatre, Journalists' Theatre, Theatre of the Factory, Theatre of the Office, and many others. Augusto Boal affirmed that 'the theatre is all of us' - and that through it we can reveal the power that shapes our lives, transforms the silences, and overcomes oppression. May his work live on and continue to inspire.