We do not consent to a tech-bro dictatorship. We will not comply with our erasure.

Gather with us at our May 10th event, Devise Dissent, to create performances for resistance, build solidarity, and connect with activist communities.

11am - 12:30pm: Answering the Call

Originally presented at the Pedagogy & Theatre of the Oppressed Conference, we designed this hands-on workshop for those who want concrete, creative strategies to interrupt systems of oppression. Led by two seasoned Jokers, participants will explore how to bring Forum Theatre directly into movement spaces—rallies, teach-ins, hearings, school walkouts, and more.

We will offer practical tools for assessing real-time opportunities for performance, selecting games and scenes that activate spect-actors, and adapting Theatre of the Oppressed techniques for unpredictable, high-energy environments. Participants will practice designing and facilitating rapid interventions that transform collective frustration into collective action. Facilitated by: Liz Morgan & Sulu LeoNimm

Ticket Rates: $20/$40/$80/$100

Register

1:30 - 3pm: The News is Not Neutral

If the news cycle leaves you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in a loop of doomscrolling, you’re not alone. This workshop invites you to interrupt that cycle and collaborate to reclaim the narrative! We will draw from Augusto Boal’s Newspaper Theatre to explore how to take billionaire-controlled articles and headlines, and build provocative performance—infused with your lived experience and political imagination.

Led by TONYC’s Joker team, The News Is Not Neutral is a 90-minute, hands-on session where participants will gamify and remix real-world texts to turn media critique into creative resistance. Join us to shift from consuming the news to challenging it—and making space for stories that move people toward action. Facilitated by: Julián Pimiento and Ania Upstill

Ticket Rates: $20/$40/$80/$100

Register

4pm - 6pm: Collaborators and Co-conspirators

Using Theatre of the Oppressed games and Aesthetics of the Oppressed techniques, form quick collaborations with other activists and artists!

This art party will provide an opportunity to build up your community and plan concrete next steps in your own actions toward revolution. As part of this event, you’ll have opportunities to create and share short-form collage, drawing, music/poetry, or performances responding to your own most pressing needs. Then, you’ll get to jump into art generating sessions with other attendees! Whether you're looking for new co-conspirators, seeking an entry point to change-making, or simply craving a deep dose of inspiration, this event will give you the opportunity to connect and collaborate.

Ticket Rates: $15/$25/$35/$45

Register

The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Spaces are fully ADA-accessible. The address is 511 W 52nd St, NY, NY 10019.

These events are made possible with space support from the Public Engagement & Education team at MCC Theater.

COVID policy: In order to keep our community safe, we require attendees to wear masks, unless they have received a negative COVID test result within 24 hours of the event. Please bring a photo of your negative test result or a test will be provided onsite.

Theatre of the Oppressed NYC's funders include the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, via Council Member Erik Bottcher (D3) and the Cultural Immigrant Initiative, The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, the Tikkun Olam Foundation, the New York Women’s Foundation, The Howard Gilman Foundation, The Ms. Foundation and the JKW Foundation.