ACTIVITY 12: Image Theater

Overview: Participants give physical form to human rights concepts.

Time: 30-45 minutes.

Materials: None.

Procedure:

1. The facilitator provides the group with a concept (e.g., oppression, liberation, justice) and asks the group to create a human machine that represents that concept.

2. One at a time, each person adds his or her body to the "machine," repeating a consistent sound and motion that represents the concept for them.

3. When all participants are part of the machine, the facilitator freezes the activity and helps the group reflect on their experience. Questions like "What were you doing?," "What did you notice?," and "How did you feel?" can help participants to reflect on the concept.

Source: Demonstration by Hameed Williams, Bolinas, CA workshop, March 1999.