Articles about Playback Theatre by Company members... |
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Inspiration through Improvisation: The Possibilities of Playback Theatre
by Rachel Earnshaw |
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My name is Rachel Earnshaw and I am a Senior II Paediatric Occupational Therapist. My job demands flexibility, creativity and adaptability. I am passionate about the possibilities that my work provides me with. I am equally passionate about one of my hobbies. I am a member of Random Acts Playback Theatre Company, and have been since it formed in 1998. Playback is a form of improvisational theatre. The performance is created from the stories offered by audience members. These moments are handed to the actors via the 'conductor'. The actors then instantly recreate the teller's story on stage, with the help of a musician. Playback theatre provides an alternative perspective on the situations we all encounter in the course of our lives. It is about acknowledging each other's stories and experiences, and is a powerful form of community theatre. The fact that two of our company members are occupational therapists has enabled us as a company to expand our work into the health arena. Our first performance was for a group of doctors transitioning into general practice. We have performed for patients undergoing rehabilitation at two separate neurological rehab units. Another performance was created for the staff and clients at a mental health unit for people with addiction issues. Playback provided the perfect format for two other performances specifically for the elderly as a means of sharing memories through reminiscence. Playback is not offered by our company as 'therapy'. We do not provide any answers or seek to make things right for our audiences. We aim to honour each person's story by playing it back with the honesty and integrity it deserves. However, many audience members have commented on how they have found performances 'therapeutic'. Sharing of self always requires courage, and as a company we are frequently moved by the bravery of our storytellers in their sharing of their lives. For me there are many parallels between OT and Playback. As therapists we need to create a relationship with our clients that engenders trust, honesty and compassion. The ability to listen and respond appropriately is paramount. The same is true of Playback. As therapists and Playback practitioners we have to sometimes listen for the story beneath the story, and have the sensitivity and the courage to explore beyond the immediately obvious. Of equal importance in both fields is the ability to laugh and be playful. As with occupational therapy the possibilities of Playback are infinite, and I feel privileged to enjoy these aspects in both my work and leisure pursuits. © Rachel Earnshaw. June 2003 |