Playback Theatre Performance

What is playback theatre, and how does it help process traumatic experiences?

During the playback theatre performance at our "Pislya Sluzhby" Foundation office on April 23, 2023, our guests had the opportunity to share their feelings and stories about their service in the conflict zone. The actors, in turn, portrayed these stories in their interpretation, helping the audience understand and experience the emotions associated with their service.

How does it work?

Playback theatre is a theatrical technique where actors create a live improvised performance based on stories the audience shares. This approach to theatre was developed in 1975 and is considered a form of cooperative theatre. The performance is created on the spot: audience members are invited to share stories from their lives, and the actors listen and reenact them on stage using various techniques such as mime, gestures, music, and dance. They may also ask questions to understand the story better or offer their interpretations.

Playback theatre can be used for various purposes, such as creating a forum for dialogue and collaboration, promoting communication, and fostering creativity. In playback theatre, there is no script or pre-planned actions. Instead, everything that happens on stage results from a creative process involving the audience, actors, and directors. This makes playback theatre a unique experience for all participants in the performance.

In the video, you can see one of the sketches performed by actors from Deja Vu Plus Theatre. Iryna and Oleksiy visited us to watch the performance and get acquainted with our Foundation. They shared their thoughts with the artistic director of the theatre, Volodymyr Savinov, expressing their interest in getting to know "Pislya Sluzhby" and their curiosity about the event format (theatre) and how the actors brought it to life - watch the video to see the results.

Playback Theatre is more than just a theatre. In collaboration with "Pislya Sluzhby," actors utilize theatrical techniques to help war participants and their families overcome trauma and other feelings associated with serving in the conflict zone. It is an excellent tool for participants to share their emotions and gain a new perspective on various situations.

Thus, theatre becomes a powerful instrument for supporting veterans and facilitating their reintegration into civilian life.

The next performance is scheduled for May 28 (Sunday) from 15:00 to 17:00 at the "Pislya Sluzhby" office located at 25/49a Pochayninska Street, Kyiv (entrance through the courtyard).

Registration is available at the following link.