WorkersTEATRO: Applying Theater to the Fight for Workers Rights

Illinois has been the catalyst for Labor reform for the past 2 centuries. Taking a brief historical look at those landmark advancements, connecting modern day struggles of working Illinoisans and creative actions by working people to bring about change. This presentation/interactive workshop will offer moments of storytelling, video examples of technique and actions, pictures-n-facts, a script created by current worker concerns, and offer up a hands-on experience learning a theatrical technique for social justice. 

WorkersTEATRO, tells the story of the current fight for workers' rights in the Chicagoland area and specific wins along the way. These workers are immigrants and returning citizens who are temp workers in factories, street vendors, and domestic care workers. Come and get a taste of a technique called Theater of the Oppressed, developed by Jasmin's teacher Augusto Boal, and walk away inspired. This program is highly interactive. 

This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme “We the People.” This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation’s promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of “the people.” The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.