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In its most archaic sense, theatre is the capacity possessed by human beings—and not by animals—to observe themselves in action.

— Augusto Boal Games for Actors and non-Actors (1992)

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More quotes by Augusto Boal

The Theatre of the Oppressed is theatre in this most archaic application of the word. In this usage, all human beings are Actors (they act!) and Spectators (they observe!).

Games for Actors and non-Actors (1992)

Theatre has nothing to do with buildings or other physical constructions. Theatre — or theatricality — is the capacity, this human property which allows man to observe himself in action, in activity.

The Rainbow of Desire (1995)

I believe in democracy, but in real democracy, not a phony democracy in which just powerful people can speak. For me, in a democracy everyone speaks.

We must all do theatre – to find out who we are, and to discover who we could become.

Aesthetics of the Oppressed (2006)

Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future, rather than just waiting for it.

Games for Actors and non-Actors (1992)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Augusto Boal (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.