Paralysis and Outrage: Channeling Emotions and Strategizing Through Play Among Bilingual Teacher-Advocates in the Making

Abstract

This article examined the process of reaction, sense-making, and action through Forum Theatre of a group of 20 Latinx bilingual preservice teachers exploring issues of racism, linguicism, and discrimination. Forum Theatre provided a space where the messiness of emotions became a springboard for creativity, strategy-planning, and advocacy. Findings show participants going through stages of paralysis and outrage, which, after a dialogic process, resulted in the creation of strategies and rules to “play the game” during improvisations.

Key words:

• conscientization
• emotions
• Forum Theatre
• teacher preparation.