food for thought

As I count down the days to summer, I'm stealing a few moments here and there to anxiously flip through books and read what I can about Boal and Theatre of the Oppressed. In Games for Actors and Non-Actors by Boal, i'm learning more and more how this work is so beautiful and powerful. Boal believes, "Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future, instead of just waiting for it." This is both exciting and intimidating. I would love to think that what happens in my classroom is transforming lives, but  it also adds so much pressure. I constantly question whether i'm doing enough and/or doing it "right". Are the students "getting it" or are they merely going through the motions? Hmmm.

In other news, I am officially all booked for New York and Chicago: plane tickets, hotel, conference registration and enrollment at NYU. Woohoo! 

The Plan

My main concern as an educator is to provide meaningful and effective classroom instruction. Since my students come from historically disadvantaged communities, meaningful and effective means empowering them with the skills necessary to succeed now and after high school. With this in mind, I've decided to draw on the teachings of both Paulo Freire, author of Pedagogy of the Oppressed, and Augusto Boal, author of Theatre of the Oppressed, to help guide my practice. Their ideas are centered around themes of social justice, community, and empowerment. I've read and studied Freire in grad school, but studying Boal's work is a new and exciting endeavor for me.

The first stop on my learning adventure starts in June with an Introduction to Theatre of the Oppressed course at New York University. It's a seven day intensive course at a small theatre off-campus with Julian Boal. I have already registered, booked my flight, and reserved a spot on a friend's couch. NYC, here I come!

The next stop brings me to Chicago in July to attend the four day Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed Conference. Once I learn the fundamentals in New York, I think this conference will provide an amazing opportunity to meet other like-minded activists and educators who are practicing this work. Although I have already booked my flight, their registration and hotel information are still not available. Waiting game.

When all  the traveling and studying has settled in, I get to put it in action! I recently partnered with a local theatre company, CASA 0101, to begin planning a summer acting course centered around the Boal's methods. Our classes will be aimed at engaging the students of the community in meaningful and fun summer activities. I have worked with CASA 0101 this past year to bridge the school and local community organizations, and i'm excited to be teaching among their talented staff.

So far, that's the plan. I'm really excited because this fellowship gives me the opportunity to nurture aspects of my life that I value very much: learning, teaching, and traveling. I know that everything I will take away from his experience can be applied directly to my English and Drama classrooms and also my personal life. Let the adventure begin.  I can't wait to meet the other lucky fellows at the dinner next week!

  

The journey begins!

I am unbelievably excited to be a 2011 Chase Fellow and share this journey with all of you. My full name is Aileen Cervantes Gendrano, but my students call me Miss G. They say it's because i'm "gangsta". I hope that's a good thing. I currently teach both 10th grade English and Drama in Boyle Heights, inner-city Los Angeles. Although I have never been formally trained in Theatre Arts, I have tried my best to provide my student with an amazing Drama experience. I am truly grateful for this fellowship because it has given me the opportunity to learn and grow as a Theatre educator. This means a lot to me.

Coming soon... the plan!