Bystander intervention training for racist and toxic situations
(cover photo by: mostafa meraji, via Unsplash)
Have you ever encountered a situation where you or another person was subjected to harassment in a public place or at the workplace? And nobody reacted?
Perhaps you have heard a racist or sexist joke or a direct verbal attack? Sometimes, we may feel powerless and regret not having reacted.
In our workshop, you can practice your reactions so that the next time you can be prepared and act as a bystander—a pillar of support for the target of harassment. Join us, and together we can create a safer and more respectful environment.
The strength of the Forum Theatre method is that participants have the opportunity to suggest challenges which are close to their own work and private environment experiences and to engage in trying out possible reactions and solutions with the support of experienced experts.
“If i am with two of my friends and one of them uses the N-word and the other does not protest and intervene, i will be upset with both of them. If you fail to intervene, then to me this is just as if you have insulted me as well.”
The Workshop offers:
Tools and understanding on how to address racism
Information on the roots of racism and subconscious biases
Skills to build a positive atmosphere
Empowering and inspiring experiences for participants
The workshop includes:
Expert lectures
Real-life experiences and stories of racism
Exercises and games
Group discussions and reflections
Brazilian forum theatre drama exercises on racism
Learning materials and recommended books and videos
Our trainers have extensive experience in the field, and their work is based on tested methods and the latest research findings. Contact us, and we can plan the workshop together, suitable for training days, team-building events, or recreational days.
Our mission is to support individuals, organizations, and companies in embracing and appreciating diversity in a sustainable and effective manner. Our trainers have extensive experience in the field, and their work is based on tested methods and the latest research findings. We are ready to support you on your journey to embrace and benefit from diversity in your work. We are also happy to customize courses that suit your needs."
Duration: 2.5 - 4 hrs, Participants: 12-30, Suitable for: Business, Organisations, Sports Groups, Schools (over the age of 14)
The Workshop is an interactive and fun workshop where the Brazilian Forum Theatre method is used to tackle racist situations. It comes with an expert presentation. Participants don’t need to have any previous experience or knowledge. The only requirement is to participate with an open mind.
After completing the workshops participants have expressed to be feeling empowered, confident and more ready to face situations that involve racism and how to tackle these.
Send us a request if you are interested in the Workshops, we will reply within 72 hours.
As a Nordic enterprise we offer to provide all our services in English, German, Swedish and Finnish language.
Our Bystander Intervention Training is based on the Forum Theatre method, which developed from the vision of Brazilian director Augusto Boal in the 1960s. Boal's created method is part of social theatre, aiming to activate participants to contemplate and address social issues. This method is particularly known for its emphasis on empowerment and community building.
However, Boal's influences reach deeper, and the roots of the Forum Theatre method are strongly connected to Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Freire. Freire's thoughts highlight dialogue, critical thinking, and collective action as tools for education and societal change.
In Forum Theatre, the audience is invited to participate in creating the play and even altering the course of the story. This participatory approach is based on Freire's principles, emphasizing interaction and the role of participants in their own learning. Boal took these ideas and applied them to the art of theatre, creating a forum where the community can express itself and explore alternative perspectives.
Forum Theatre serves as a powerful tool for engaging communities and promoting change. It provides a space for participants to address contemporary social issues and challenge prevailing norms. Thus, our Bystander Intervention Training is grounded in a strong tradition that combines art, education, and the goal of social justice in an inclusive and impactful manner.