Theatre of the Oppressed: Collective imagination and civic action
I have trained in forum/interactive theatre also known as “Theatre of the oppressed” which is a form of community theatre focusing on the self empowerment of individuals through collective imagination. This particular theatre works with non-actors and is interactive in nature, inviting audience members on stage to shape the resolution.
I have been part of the Lahore-based theater troupe affiliated with Interactive Resource Centre for the past 20 years, starting when I was only 11 years old. This foundational journey has honed my abilities in public speaking, active listening, and community mobilization.
Having performed in over 100 interactive plays across Pakistan, the troupe focuses directly on critical societal challenges: gender-based violence, fundamental human rights, constitutional literacy, cultural diversity, and the political evolution of Pakistan. By stripping away passive spectatorship, the stage transforms into a laboratory for community problem-solving.