9th – 13th March 2014; 10am – 4:30pm each day
PLAYBACK THEATRE is an interactive theatre approach used in over 60 countries as a tool for community building and cultural activism. In a Playback event, audience members share personal stories, and watch as a team of actors and musicians transform these accounts into improvised theatre pieces. In this 5-day intensive, participants will learn and practice the basic elements of Playback Theatre. We will develop our ability to identify the central events, meanings and emotions that a ‘Teller’ presents in their story; We will learn to identify the important historical, social and political forces that are mentioned or implied; We will also develop ways to translate these ‘narrative cornerstones’ into enactments that are rich in artistry, attunement and effective ensemble work. The use of Playback Theatre for community mobilization, cultural activism and trauma response will also be explored. In addition, we will focus on voice development, movement practice and improvisational skills. Performing artists, educators, community workers and cultural activists are welcome to participate.
This workshop is accredited through The Freedom Theatre’s School of Playback Theatre – an affiliate school of the New York-based Centre for Playback Theatre. Workshop hours can be counted towards an internationally recognized Diploma in Playback Theatre.
FACILITATOR
Ben Rivers specializes in the use of applied theatre for community mobilization, cultural activism and psychosocial health promotion. Over the past 14 years he has worked extensively with individuals, families and communities impacted by structural oppression, political violence and collective trauma. Ben has taught and practiced in Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and North America. He currently works at The Freedom Theatre in Jenin Refugee Camp where he founded the Freedom Bus initiative – a Playback Theatre project engaging thousands of Palestinians and people from abroad in cultural actions that promote civil rights and equality. Ben is a Registered Drama Therapist and an Accredited Playback Theatre Trainer. He holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, USA. He is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of New England, Australia.
DATES
9th – 13th March 2014 (Participants must attend all days/hours).
TIMES
10am – 4:30pm each day
COST
30JD (Cost includes tuition fees and lunch/refreshments)
LANGUAGE
Workshops will be delivered in English with Arabic translation. It is preferred that participants have a working knowledge of Arabic.
VENUE
Al Balad Theatre, Yazeed bin Abu Sufian Street, Jabal Amman, Jordan.
Directions.
ORGANIZERS
Al Balad Theatre in partnership with The Freedom Theatre.
AL BALAD THEATRE
Al Balad Theatre is a multi-purpose artistic and community space established by renovating an old cinema house in down town Amman built in the 1948’s. The space aims to promote young artists from Jordan and the region by presenting their works, providing rehearsal space, and contributing to strengthening the cultural movement in Jordan through interaction and cooperation with all performing art groups, NGOs, and individuals, public and private, in Jordan, the region, and the world. Al Balad theatre organizes theatre, dance, and music performances as well as film and video screenings in cooperation with local, regional, and international groups and organizations. The theatre also hosts training workshops in the performing arts. As a multi-purpose space located in a neglected area of Amman, Al Balad theatre also caters for children’s artistic activities. In addition, and as part of the comprehensive cultural scene. For more information, please visit: www.al-balad.org
WHO CAN APPLY
Theatre practitioners and community members without acting experience are welcome to join this workshop. We especially welcome applications from practitioners who might be interested in applying Playback Theatre in community and educational settings.
REGISTRATION
For more information, or to apply for a place, contact Al Balad Theatre razan@al-balad.org. Please put the workshop title in the subject line of your email. Workshop numbers are limited so we advise you to apply early.