As part of a discussion about Language and Power, the 11th grade English class played “The Great Game of Power,” a game created by Augusto Boal for his “Theater of the Oppressed.” The game forces students to examine ways in which power can be created and removed, as well as reflecting on the symbolic nature of power. All of this is achieved by starting with 4 chairs, one table and one water bottle, then making one chair more powerful than the rest. This is repeated until the chair cannot be any more powerful…until students step in. Then it’s their turn to establish power, only to have another student step in a take it away from them! Let’s just say that in addition to learning about the construction of power, it was also a fun game to play in English class!
