Anti-Oppression and Healing in the Arts, with Rogério M. Pinto

Rogério M. Pinto, PhD, is University of Michigan Diversity and Social Transformation Professor in Social Work and a practicing visual/performance artist. In his new book, Anti-Oppression and Healing in the Arts (Bloomsbury, 2026), he explores how to create drama and performance that shed light on the causes and effects of oppression. The book will appeal to those interested in storytelling, social justice, and self-healing. The text incorporates Pinto’s award-winning one-person play, Marília, about gender identity, childhood trauma, and the author's experiences as an immigrant to the US. Pinto also introduces theoretical and empirical evidence for how myriad art practices can improve empathy and well-being. The hour-long event will include Pinto reading from his play, and a Q&A to inspire reflection and action against oppression.