Augusto Boal was a Brazilian theater director, writer, and politician, best known for developing the concept of Theater of the Oppressed. Born in 1931, he believed that theater could be a powerful tool for social change, allowing marginalized voices to be heard and empowering communities to address their issues. Boal's innovative techniques included Forum Theatre, where audiences could intervene in performances to explore solutions to social problems. His work has influenced various fields, including education and activism, and continues to inspire artists and social movements around the world. Boal passed away in 2009, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of participatory theater.