OS/Playback Theatre/Advice

[Harrison Owen]

At 02:27 PM 1/3/01 +0000, you wrote:
>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?

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No matter what you are going to have a great time, As for advice -- I'd say
"Straight Ahead with Open Space," and let the theatre happen where, as, and
when it will (which is usually the case even when you don't have such a
talented crew.) And under no circumstances would I "plan" anything --
especially theatre.

This is not about maintaining the "purity of Open Space" -- it is about
enabling the folks to explore FREELY the Open Space they are already in --
no help needed.

I say all this with some conviction and (surprise) experience. Actually,
indirect experience. About 5 years ago a friend facilitated an Open Space
for the Community Arts Councils of the US -- all of whom had been working
under a grant from the Pew Foundation. It was their last collective
gathering at the end of the grant. Having nothing to loose, and also having
been bored and aggravated with all prior annual meetings, they decided on
Open Space. All was in readiness and at the last moment, the foundation
folks freaked. Decided they needed to have some "substance." Since they
couldn't program the whole 2 and 1/2 days,  they thought they could at
least start with a Panel of Experts. And they did.

About 5 minutes into the program a very large Male type (Black, I am told)
stood up in the rear of the room, in the midst of the panel discussion --
and said something to the effect -- "I don't know quite what this Open
Space Shit is -- but this sure ain't it! I'm gone until it gets better."

There were some anxious moments for the organizing committee -- and they
bowed to the inevitable. Just open the space.

And it was all open space from there on out. It was also truly wonderful.
Just imagine allowing100 passionately creative folks to just be themselves.
They did a video and even from that cold medium it was a hot time indeed. I
cry every time I see it. The Spirit was intense.

So anyhow. Trust the folks.. Forget the plan. Just let them be themselves.
You will never forget it.

Harrison




Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854 USA
phone 301-469-9269
fax 301-983-9314
Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com
Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
Personal website www.mindspring.com/~owenhh
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