- What We Do
- Our Philosophy
- Where We Perform
- Who We Are
- How To Book
- Donations
“..very much appreciated”
Patrice Rickard
Buloke Youth Health Expo Committee
Patrice Rickard
Buloke Youth Health Expo Committee
What We Do
All Playback performances follow the same format regardless of audience. We may have themes or objectives in mind, but the structure of the performance remains the same.
One of the company members is a 'conductor', who talks directly to the audience, explaining the process as we go. The audience is asked to share firstly general moments from their lives, and later more detailed stories. The audience is reassured that they are not expected to perform themselves, and as the skill, energy and insight of the actors and musician transform peoples words the audience relaxes and becomes open to a range of participation.
What do we do and how ? The company is made up of professional performers and we rehearse the Playback form regularly. We are trained to be intuitive, and to understand the meaning of stories at many levels. We are also trained to work effectively and creatively as a group, following offers to create a cohesive piece of theatre that is satisfying for the 'teller' and the entire audience.
The performers and conductor work together to discover themes that run throughout a performance, and common concerns that unite the group. This illumination of the unique life of our audience is one of the powers of Playback Theatre, one that surprises and inspires the people we perform for.
We are skilful singers, dancers and theatre actors who work and teach in our field. Any given story may be humorous, moving, surreal, physically bold, or a beautiful piece of music, or a combination of any of these elements and more !
It is hard for people to imagine Playback before they see it - can you imagine a story from your life recreated on stage or in front of your peers and workmates? How could we possibly get it 'right' ? Wouldn't it be really embarrassing for everyone involved ? What if no-one says anything ?
The answers are; we can, it won't, and they will !
In 25 years of performing we have never had a show where nothing happens, on the contrary every show has been full of remarkable surprises.
Typical comments we get after shows are “That was exactly how it was !” “How can you possibly have done that - it made me understand my story, or my organisation in a whole new way.”
Prepare to be amazed !
What do we do and how ? The company is made up of professional performers and we rehearse the Playback form regularly. We are trained to be intuitive, and to understand the meaning of stories at many levels. We are also trained to work effectively and creatively as a group, following offers to create a cohesive piece of theatre that is satisfying for the 'teller' and the entire audience.
It is hard for people to imagine Playback before they see it - can you imagine a story from your life recreated on stage or in front of your peers and workmates? How could we possibly get it 'right' ? Wouldn't it be really embarrassing for everyone involved ? What if no-one says anything ?
The answers are; we can, it won't, and they will !
In 25 years of performing we have never had a show where nothing happens, on the contrary every show has been full of remarkable surprises.
Prepare to be amazed !