Examines Augusto Boal's relationship to and understanding of Marxism, and its influence on the development of his work. Explains that Boal's reformist politics as reflected in his practice would therefore appear a negation of socialism as Marx conceived it. Concludes Boal's approach appears to encourage people to look for that insight in terms of their own lives, thus effecting change for themselves, exercising an individualist attitude towards empowerment. (PM)