Asheville’s Playback Theatre is an improvisational acting ensemble committed to creating theater that reflects community concerns and individual stories. Playback is not your average acting troupe; their shows are held in lighted theaters and the very material for their performances depends on audience participation. At each show volunteers are asked to step up to the stage and share a story that’s meaningful to them. Moments later, that story will be acted out and transformed by the spirit of Playback’s spontaneous theater.
As part of their 13th season performing in Asheville, the members of Playback Theatre will present “Stories of Race and Privilege” on Sunday, March 16, at N.C. Stage Company. According to Playback’s media release, Raphael Peters says this theme was chosen for a specific reason.
“We are looking to begin a conversation, using the unique Playback form, to address one of the issues that divides people in our community,” said Peters. “The topic may not be a comfortable one, and we welcome all perspectives. Playback was conceived to create a safe space that allows all kinds of stories, the big one, the difficult and those that celebrate personal transformation. In essence, our humanity is expressed through our stories, and it is through sharing these stories that we hope to see this community come together.”
If you’re interested in hearing about the concerns of the community discussed in an artistic and theatrical way, then be sure to check out Playback’s upcoming performance and discover the innovative art of Playback’s on-the-spot theater.
Asheville Playback Theatre presents: “Stories of Race and Privilege” on Sunday, March 16 at North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Lane in downtown Asheville. The performance begins at 7 p.m, and costs $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students, no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Info: www.playbacknet.org
