Mady's Essay

What is so incredible to me about the Joker System, and the work that Mady produced with the kids at Plaza, is that this kind of way of teaching someone through theater can work with people of all ages; kids, teens, adults. It can also be used to help people develop an awareness to solve problems in any type of group of persons, types of class, and wherever they are in the world.

Boal created such a simple and universal method, and Mady's one account of applying this method to a group of teen agers was a concrete example of how the Joker System is effective and a useful learning tool for anyone. I'm sure it was a wonderful and enriching activity for the kids to engage in; it almost seems like one of those games you play as a kid that is so fun and challenging, that you forget you're actually learning something in the process of playing it. It makes me wish that teachers all across our country take a look at our dear buddy, Boal and his Joker System, and incorporate more of his pedagogical influence into the American education system and the way we teach our youth. Open-mindedness is key.