ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how engagement in cultural activities such as theatre can enhance the participation of people in vulnerable situations in the social, economic and cultural life of the community. It provides an overview of the human rights of people in vulnerable circumstances The form of theatre employed in the two studies we draw from is applied theatre, which is often used in educational contexts. Participants in the first study were 11 asylum seekers who were living in a reception center in a city in Norway. Participants in the second study were four homeless people in the same city. Most of the asylum seekers and homeless people who participated in the theatre projects were victims of problematic life situations. Theatre can be considered a form of entertainment, but also has a more political form, as it has been used to empower people.
