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Reaching Across Ideological Differences: Why Try and What You Might Gain

April 30, 2022 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

- $15 – $30

An interactive, improvisational theater performance with True Story Theater, as part of America Talks and the National Week of Conversation

DESCRIPTION

Have you ever tried to talk with someone you care about whose views are clearly different from yours… say, about COVID vaccinations, or whom to vote for, or abortion, or which news sources to trust?

Audience members are invited to share their experiences of these kinds of conversations. All perspectives are welcome. The actors embody the essence of each story in dialogue, movement, music and song, reflecting back what was shared with respect, empathy and creativity.

This show aims to reveal valuable insights into why we do or don’t try to reach out, what makes such conversations go well or badly, and what helps give us the courage and resilience to even try. Come to share or simply watch and listen as the actors strive to capture the heart of each story shared, with the audience as witness.

NOTE: If you are interested, right after the 90-minute performance you can join a breakout room to learn about the many resources available for dialogue across differences. Hundreds of groups are working to ease political polarization, in the US and around the world.

Playback Theatre can offer new perspectives, a space to be seen, heard and known, a memorable artistic experience, and an enhanced sense of connection with and empathy for self and others.

This event is open to everyone and all are welcome.

Tickets: $15 General Admission

$5-$30 Donation (Give-what-you-can)

Free (Guest) option available (Not able to pay? Contact us for a discount code.)

We welcome and appreciate your donations.

REGISTER ON EVENTBRITE >HERE<

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We invite members of the #ListenFirst Coalition to explore how Playback Theatre could amplify the emotional effectiveness of your work, contact Christopher Ellinger: christopher(at)truestorytheater.org.

​In addition to the performance above, please check out this interactive skills workshop led by Christopher Ellinger, Executive Director of True Story, Inc.

Constructive Conversations Across Political Differences

Thursday, April 28, 7-9 pm EDT

Description and tickets >HERE<

Both events are part of America Talks and the National Week of Conversation.

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​This performance is co-sponsored by True Story Theater and Playback North America (PNA). True Story Theater is a member of PNA, a support network for 60+ community theater companies across the US and Canada that practice a powerful form of improvised, embodied empathy called Playback Theatre.

Details

Date:
April 30, 2022
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Cost:
$15 – $30
Website:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/302080058587

Organizer

True Story Theater

Venue

Zoom video
MA United States + Google Map

Details

Date:
April 30, 2022
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Cost:
$15 – $30
Website:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/302080058587

Organizer

True Story Theater

Venue

Zoom video
MA United States + Google Map

What happens in a True Story Theater performance?  Our events bring together the delight of improvisation with the courageous vulnerability of people sharing their personal truth.

The show’s emcee (called “the conductor”) facilitates brief, spontaneous conversations with volunteers from the audience who share their own feelings and experiences related to the show’s theme.  After each conversation, the actors and musician immediately embody the key feelings and actions they heard, using movement, music, dialogue, and superb listening. All of it is improvised on the spot. During the course of a 75 minute show, True Story enacts about 6-8 stories.

From this simple interaction, audience members feel validated, laugh, cry, get insights about their lives, and feel an expanded sense of community. You can share a moment from your life and see it performed, or just come to watch.

What are True Story Theater’s classes like?  We will teach you the basics of Playback Theatre, which can hone your listening skills for everyday life.  All are welcome.  Classes are supportive, informal, intimate, and fun, an enriching experience for both newcomers and experienced actors.