Orcas Islander Cat Gilliam is excited to be bringing her Seattle-based group Threshold Ensemble back for its second Playback Theatre performance on Orcas. Last August they played to standing room only at Outlook Inn. On Aug. 2, they will open at Random Howse at 7:30 p.m. with music. The performance is from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Playback Theatre is an improvisational show that offers unique gifts for the three parties present: the storyteller, the actors/musicians and the audience.

The storyteller

Someone from the audience volunteers to tell a personal story. There is an interviewer/conductor who supports the teller to share what is most alive for them about their story. It is turned over to the actors and musicians with “Let’s Watch!” The completely improvisational “playback” begins. It stays true to the story; it hopes to reveal the heart of the story, the universal. The teller might gain a new perspective. A field of creative and artistic expression is opened in the enactment and often “magic” happens.

Actors, musicians

The actors and musicians listen with an open receptivity and full attentiveness to the telling of the story. They engage with agreements of Improv, “Accept Offers,” “Use Everything,” “Make your Partners Look Good” “Let Go,” “Be Affected” and work as an ensemble to honor the story that has just been heard.

The audience

The audience holds all that is happening with their witnessing. They are touched by what they see and hear. Playback Theatre strengthens community connection and caring through the sharing of personal story…when we truly hear another’s story, empathy arises.

Email Gilliam for more info catgilliam@gmail.com