Perth Playback Theatre

Playback Theatre originated in New York in the 1970's and Perth's Playback Theatre is an offshoot of that.  It is similar to Theatre Sports.  Perth Playback Theatre has been around since the 1990's and wherever it is performed it is a way of honouring the voice of the people they are playing to.  They use music, movement and dialogue to engage with their audience.  Usually they have 6 actors who listen whilst one of the members interviews one or more of the audience.  They watch and listen and gather up an understanding of what is being told to them. 

 

Sometimes a Playback Theatre is developed out of a need to help people express their feelings.  New Orleans Playback Theatre was created after their city was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina to help people deal with the raw emotions of the day.  In Toronto they work with inner city youth to give them voice and self worth.  Living Arts Playback Theatre helps those dealing with trauma. 

 

Perth Playback Theatre has about 20 performers who are what Arlene calls 'citizen actors' - many of whom have another job as well as their acting one.  They believe that your voice deserves to be heard; so when they listen, they don't embellish it; that simply listen and interpret what the story teller has said in their own unique way.

 

They have performed at a number of functions around the city and into the country as well.  Recently they were in the Dryandra Forest at a school camp engaging with students and parents alike.  They work with corporations to develop staff understanding of corporate values; or to help celebrate significant mile stones.  they attend birthday parties, retirements, run school workshops (both large and small) so that students can understand what drama can do to help them get their message across.  During the Fringe Festival they ran 5 events; and participate in large events such as International Women's Day.

 

Because of the nature of their expertise, they use simple props - just a few scraps of fabric and some crates; a musician and themselves.  They can create anything, anywhere at any time on a moment's notice.  Or seemingly on a moment's notice.  In fact when they are due to perform they meet at least one hour before the event so they can get themselves attuned to each other so that the magic happens when they are performing for their audience.

 

This weekend they will be at the Fairbridge Festival.  They rehearse on the first Sunday of each month, and the public is invited to their rehearsals.  The next ones coming up are 1st May, 5th June and 3rd July if anyone is interested in coming along.  They do have a Facebook page so you can get more information about what they are doing.

 

As part of the presentation they played a YouTube clip of a man called Jason's reflections of a Playback experience he was involved in.  He found it to be a 'very personal and rewarding experience to have my 25 years as a nurse working with Alzheimer victims, played back in a few moments - it was something he said he would never forget'. 

 

To finish up the time Arlene and Chloe had with us they asked us what word would we use to describe our experience as an Ascot Rotarian.  With only a handful of words, they were then able to create a very memorable piece of theatre that summed up what was said. 

 

In closing their parting message was that they really practice being in the moment; engage in deep listening; and practise these skills by retelling and reflecting on their own stories when they are rehearsing. 

 

As a gift to the club they provided us with 2 tickets to one of their performances. 

 

Thank you Arlene and Chloe.