Students first began with a nonverbal exercise; to create a representation of power dynamics using only chairs. Each student would step up and arrange the chairs to tell a story. Some representations built on the previous, and some even elicited gasps as the realization hit those who were observing the silent composition come together. After a few rounds, Dr. Bogad went on to explain how Boal had used this lesson for communities that may have members who felt they could not personally express their frustrations or observations but felt more comfortable to use chairs as representations.

Read Experiencing the Drama of Politics, Culture, and Self Through Theatre for more about this experiential class.