4: Critical Rage Pedagogy: From Critical Catharsis to Self and Social Transformation

Twelve figures draped in black and between 20–80 years of age assemble on a dimly lit stage and face the audience. Placed about ten feet in front of them are fifteen to twenty standard-issue school desks and chairs. Behind them is a white screen upon which various images can be projected. These images are chosen from various descriptions offered throughout the chapter and will be flashed on the screen once the performance begins. The figures draped in black represent the ghosts of former teachers who, reluctant to speak out during their lifetimes, have now been given the opportunity to return to the land of the living in order to deliver their final lecture. Each desk facing them features a propped up photograph of the person whom is supposed to be sitting at that desk. These photographs are turned backwards so that the audience watching the performance can identify them. They include photographs of various Presidents of the United States including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush, well-known capitalists, representatives of the CIA, the NSA, the Pentagon, the U.S. Department of Education, political operatives and well-known right-wing media figures who are being forced to listen to what the teachers have to say. The ghosts begin a reading of this chapter, each taking turns, with spirit-breath aflame, naming themselves to their calling.