August 2019

Together and Different: Building a culture of peace in schools through Playback Theatre

Rasia Friedler

Session Synopsis

How can theatre empower students to critically examine the roles they play among their peers? How can dance and music empower students to understand their power to change their surroundings?

In August of 2019, Rasia Friedler (Uruguay) led a highly interactive session with members of the ITAC community about the value of playback theatre in schools. This approach helps students address questions of identity, compassion, and violence, particularly as it relates to bullying. Although the discussion sections are not featured in the archive, Rasia effectively captures the core values of the playback theatre movement and explores her work with SaludArte.

The session highlighted a forward-thinking approach to advocating for arts education by embracing a respected and impactful system.

Additional Resources

Learn more about Tricia, her work, and the ways in which arts and culture are becoming agents and tools for change in community and international development below:

Session Transcript

Rasia’s Website and Related Works:

Salud Arte

El Humor de La Vida – Rasia’s 2013 TED Talk

Other Supporting Materials: Throughout the session, Rasia and ITAC colleagues mentioned several thought leaders and forms of participatory theatre.

Playback Theatre

International Playback Theatre Network

Acts of Service: Spontaneity, Commitment, Tradition in the Nonscripted Theatre by Jonathan Fox

The Essential Moreno: Writings on Spontaneity, Psychodrama and Group Method by Jonathan Fox

Gathering Voices: Essays on Playback Theatre edited by Jonathan Fox and Heinrich Dauber

Jo Salas’ Personal Website: Jo is a close collaborator of Jonathan Fox. Her work was mentioned during the session.

Theatre for Development: Learn more about this theatre practice from Participate’s website.

The Accidental Birth of Spontaneous Theatre by Rebecca Northan

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