OS/Playback Theatre/Advice

[Chris Weaver]

Dear OSLIST,

Back in the summer, Peter O'Connell initiated a discussion of connections
between OS and Playback Theatre (which I would describe as an interactive
improvisational drama form for transformational performance).  The topic
jumped to my front burner today, as I have been asked to facilitate an OS
retreat for the Playback Theatre company in my hometown.

Playback Theatre is new to me, and OS is new to the local Playback folks.
It appears that the two forms will dance together at this retreat in three
weeks.  I will here describe the parameters of the event.  I would be
grateful to receive advice from people on the list as to how OS and PT might
be interwoven for the greatest benefit.

I was approached by the company's artistic director because she feels that
they are at a crossroads, when a new structure / leadership pattern is ready
to emerge, but they don't know what it is yet.  The thirteen-member company
has schedlued a retreat from Friday afternoon through a Saturday late-lunch
(essentially a one-day event with an overnight in the middle), to be held at
the large house of one of the actors.

What I learned about Playback this morning fascinated me deeply.  As Peter
O'Connell described well on the list back in June, the four OS principles
are deeply in play.  As well, I am interested in the many parallels between
the role of Playback "Conductor" and OS facilitator, as space opener,
holder, and closer.  More than any group with whom I've held preliminary
discussion, I feel that the Playback folks already know how to do this, and
in an uncommonly artistic and expressive way.  At the same time, I recognize
their need for an outside space-holder to free them to enact the story of
their own company.

So here's what stumps me.  Should I facilitate an OST meeting, trust the OST
process, and let Playback process emerge where and when it will?  Or is this
a chance to plan for the use of Playback forms for particular parts of the
retreat?  What about the small size of the group, their high trust level,
and their natural propensity to do group processing as a whole?

I gratefully invite any thoughts you have on this event, particularly (but
not only!) from people with some experience of Playback Theatre.

Sincerely,
Chris Weaver

--
S   P   R   I   N   G   B   R   A   N   C   H

Opening the Space for Inspired Collaboration
P.O. Box 8234 / Asheville, NC 28814 / USA
Phone: 828 225-0007 / Fax: 828 225-0303
http://www.springbranch.net / chris at springbranch.net

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