Jokering as queer ministry: Queer theology meets Theatre of the Oppressed

The convergence of queer theory with emergent queer theological thought has led to groundbreaking theologizing not just for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (hereafter "queer") thought, but for the broader range of academic theological thought as well. Queer theologies have moved from simple "apologetics" (for example, the movement towards affirmation/inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people within ecclesial systems,) to forging new theological ground through a uniquely queer lens (for example, in the theological exploration of the profound intersections between sexuality, gender transgression, and global economic systems).;I will explore, through academic and applied action research, the assertion that Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) offers a unique bridge between queer theological thought and queer theological praxis. Theatre of the Oppressed, created by Brazilian director, activist, and educator Augusto Boal, is a rich and varied set of theatrical methodologies designed not only to break down the separation between actor and audience, but also to bridge the gap between art and activism.;This thesis aims to bring into conversation two key thinkers: Augusto Boal, the originator of the Theatre of the Oppressed school of thought and methodologies, and Marcella Althaus-Reid, a preeminent queer and global theologian. Each brings an important piece to this theological puzzle to complement the other: Boal, the critical engagement of oppressive realities through theatrical praxis, and Althaus-Reid, the critical analysis of religio-ecclesial oppressions through theological reflection.;The thesis includes a theatre project utilizing action research through the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Theatre of the Oppressed workshop focusing on queer theological issues within two very different communities. The project will explore the question at the heart of this thesis: Can Theatre of the Oppressed be used to bridge the gap between queer theological thought and queer theological praxis? Through the use of TO methods, the project will aim to move from academic text to embodied theatre work, to test TO as a potential methodology that may be used in religious and secular settings committed to queer theological praxis, and to assess TO's effectiveness as an applied theological tool in the identification, articulation, and exploration of issues identified by community members committed to queer social justice.;Despite this irruption of new thought, however, a noticeable gap has emerged between queer theological thought and lived praxis. The historical rootedness of queer theologies within the contextual knowledge of the body makes this gap all the more troubling and pronounced. Queer theologies, uniquely positioned to challenge the historical academic and ecclesial mind-body split, run the risk of disconnecting from the embodied realities of the communities for whom it aims to speak.;Through these academic and applied explorations, a new queer theological methodology is discovered that helps to bridge the gap between thought and praxis, and that will have practical applied potentialities for queer religious and secular communities. A prophetically challenging and theologically rooted queer ministerial praxis will begin to emerge as a result of this conversation.