Sex Scenes: Exploring the Use of Theatre of the Oppressed to Expand on Adult Sex Education Discourse

Comprehensive sex education does not exist in Ontario at any age demographic. This project proposes arts-based pedagogies as part of the strategy to correct this knowledge deficit. Documenting the theory and practice related to the development of a theatrical script aimed at expanding sexual education discourse and learning into adulthood, this research-creation project works to uncover how work can be done to destigmatize sex and develop a productive and all-encompassing societal discourse on the topic. By incorporating Theatre of the Oppressed, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, and ParticipatoryAction Research, the research methodology focused on inclusion in data gathering and knowledge mobilization. This methodology included surveys (n=19) to build an understanding of sex education experiences in Ontario, working with a team of student devisors to incorporate these stories into a well-rounded and inclusive script, as well as a summary and reflection upon this process. In future iterations of this project, the work could be expanded by using similar methodologies to focus on specific communities, engaging with any equity-deserving group to build educational discourse and awareness.