Empowering individuals and communities : a theoretical investigation of the processes and practices of Boal, Alessi, and Halprin

Abstract

This theoretical research study refers to empowerment and what that could mean to individuals, communities, and societies. It investigates theories of fundamental human needs and how social influence and transference of knowledge can either empower or disempower the human being. It further investigates how dance/movement and theatre approaches could break through repressed social organisation by examining empowering processes and practices of three practitioners: Boal, Alessi, and Halprin. The theoretical research is then applied to future empowering practices for Higher Education and communities of diverse populations, including the marginalised and oppressed.