RIP: Augusto Boal (1931-2009)

Early this morning I received a message from the TOPLAB in New York saying that Augusto Boal has died. This is very sad news for all TO practitioners around the world.

Here is the full text from TOPLAB:

It is with much sadness that the Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory is passing on the news of the death of Augusto Boal, who died late last night, May 1, of complications arising from a long-term health condition.

TOPLAB has had a close and intimate association with Augusto for twenty years; he was our inspiration, teacher and comrade. The members of TOPLAB consider it a privilege to have known him and worked with him. We will miss him immensely.

We extend our condolences to Augusto's family: his wife Cecilia, his sons Fabien and Julian, his grandchildren, as well to his and our colleagues and friends in the CTO-Rio.

We will send more details through this announcement list soon. A memorial tribute will be held at a future date to be announced. Messages of sympathy can be sent to Augusto's family through us at toplab@toplab.org

I'd like to join our colleagues at TOPLAB in passing on my condolences to his family and the workers at the CTO-Rio.

I have very fond memories of the summer weeks we spent together in 1999, when he gave a 3-week intensive TO workshop at New York University. Assisting him during that series of workshops was one of the most beautiful experiences not only of my theatrical life but also of my life as a human being. Augusto made theatre because he cared about people. I will miss him.