Legislative Theatre
in action
What is Legislative Theatre?
Legislative Theatre brings residents, policymakers and activists together into creative, constructive dialogue, to co-create more equitable and effective policies and laws. Community members create and present plays based on their lived experiences, addressing local or national policy issues. Audiences are invited to improvise alternative responses to systemic problems onstage, and develop these ideas into specific and feasible policy proposals. Following deliberation, debate, and voting, policymakers and advocates carry these proposals forward to their respective offices – using theatre to spark concrete change.
How did it start?
In the early 1990s, Augusto Boal, founder of Theatre of the Oppressed, brought forum theatre to Rio de Janeiro’s city council chambers. Community groups used theatre to propose changes to local and national laws, revolutionising policymaking. This practice, now known as Legislative Theatre, has since spread globally, and exists as part of the growing participatory democracy ecosystem, alongside tools like participatory budgeting and citizens assemblies.
Where is it happening now?
Legislative Theatre is practised in dozens of countries around the world, addressing policy issues including housing, social welfare, health care, the climate crisis, cultural equity, migration, and more. For more evidence from successful LT initiatives in varied socio-political contexts, find case studies below; and to connect with practitioners in different regions, visit Resources.
The People Act is coordinated by Katy Rubin, an internationally-recognized LT practitioner partnering with governments and advocacy groups to develop and amplify this practice around the UK and globally, promoting creativity and inclusivity in the political system.
Legislative Theatre Around the World
How can creative participatory democracy result in more equitable public policy, increased citizen engagement, and the repair of public trust
A series of global case studies with accompanying animated videos, created with support from Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity at London School of Economics.
Austria
When parliament has twice failed to pass a law, the state is out of compliance, and advocacy groups are applying pressure… How can lived-experience leadership and creative problem solving shift the power to get a good law passed?
brazil
When the rules governing people’s working lives are unjust, and those harmed are far from the halls of power – how can theatre mobilise the political pressure needed to change bad laws?
uk
When communities are frustrated with tick-box consultation, and public debate is polarising – can fun be a serious strategy to diffuse tension and generate new solutions?
zimbabwe
When local authorities and communities don’t have an open communication channel, and mutual trust is lacking - what happens when climate disaster strikes? How can storytelling and grassroots knowledge build relationships and lead to action?
More Projects In Action
Let’s work together
For facilitation, design or consultation support for a new Legislative Theatre initiative, get in touch with The People Act or connect with a practitioner in the global community.
Email us at
info@thepeopleact.org