1. Focus on Social Issues: Both issue based drama and forum theater focus on addressing real-world social issues and concerns. They aim to stimulate thought and discussion about these issues to raise awareness and inspire action.
2. Audience Participation: Both forms actively involve the audience in the performance. In issue based drama, the audience may be invited to contribute their thoughts and perspectives during or after the performance, while in forum theater, the audience directly participates by enacting different roles and exploring alternative solutions to the issues presented.
3. Interactive Nature: Issue based drama and forum theater encourage interaction and dialogue between performers and the audience. They break the traditional fourth wall concept and create a space where participants can engage in discussions and reflections on the issues presented.
4. Educational Purpose: Both forms of theater can serve as educational tools to foster critical thinking and empathy among participants. They provide a platform for learning and exploring complex social issues from multiple perspectives.
5. Community Building: Issue based drama and forum theater have the potential to create a sense of community among participants. By sharing experiences, perspectives, and solutions, these forms of theater bring individuals together to address shared concerns.
6. Reflection and Catharsis: Both issue based drama and forum theater can provide an outlet for expressing emotions, reflecting on personal experiences, and gaining a deeper understanding of social issues. They facilitate a process of catharsis and self-awareness among participants.
7. Advocacy and Empowerment: Through their focus on social issues, these forms of theater can serve as advocacy tools to raise awareness and advocate for change. They empower individuals to take action and contribute to positive social transformation.
While issue based drama and forum theater share these similarities, they may differ in specific techniques, structures, and styles of performance. Both forms have their unique strengths and approaches to addressing social issues and engaging audiences in meaningful ways.