We’ve Come A Long Way: Journeys Towards Collective Liberation

Where are you on your journey toward personal and collective liberation? As 2024 comes to an end and we welcome in a new year, we invite you to reflect on where you’re going, where you’ve been, and where you are right now! Let’s gather in community. We’re here for you.

Dec 15, 2024, 3:00 PM
Highways
1651 18th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Playback Theatre is improvisational theatre where audience members share true feelings and stories and then our actors and musicians re-enact these feelings and stories on the spot. Playback Theatre was originally created by Jo Salas and Jonathan Fox in the 1970s and now it’s practiced in over 70 countries for community building, post-trauma repair, conflict resolution, and just for fun!

High Desert Playback is joining forces with our sister company, LAPlayback Theatre Company, based on our mutual commitment to racial and social justice. We create spaces where those who have historically been erased, devalued, and marginalized can share their stories and be centered.

Leaders from LAPlayback Theatre Company and High Desert Playback have shared stages from Oakland to Manhattan, from South Africa to Mexico City, and LA to Albuquerque, using this art form as a vehicle for healing.

We invite participants to flex their empathy muscles, listen to each other with compassion, and connect on a human level. This inevitably leads to outcomes centered in true belonging, where everyone can feel seen, heard, and valued.

SAVE THE DATE:

High Desert Playback returns for our 2nd annual celebration of the National Day of Racial Healing in partnership with X Studio at Explora! in Albuquerque.

Thursday, January 23, 2024 from 4-8PM

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What Folks Are Saying

  • "I had never heard of Playback Theater before and so wasn't really sure what I was getting into. In my life I associated acting with ungrounded white people who over did everything to show how much they were committed to the art. I didn't feel that way here at all. The space felt grounded and well held. Allison and Lynn are incredible facilitators. The dedication of their work to Art, Ritual and Social Justice are things I can get behind.”

  • "An expressive use of empathy as a tool for story-retelling and trauma first aid; I would recommend this workshop to everyone regardless of background."

  • "This is such a fun, intimate, collaborative, & inclusive workshop. It was my first time doing playback and I’m hooked!"

  • "These workshops are the gift that keeps on giving! Every time I come I learn new things and connect more deeply to this ritual, practice and the people there."

  • "Learning Playback has reawakened something in me that has brought so much joy to my life. It’s much greater than just the workshops themselves- it’s reminded me how to play, while being vulnerable. So so grateful!"

  • "Lynn and Allison are kind, supportive and masterful facilitators who hold you sweetly through the process of learning something new. Playback Theatre is infused with joy, humor, and deep heart care."

  • "Engaging in creative play with my peers, just for pleasure's sake, feels deeply nourishing. Especially after three years of limited human to human connection. Allison and Lynn and all the attendees created such a safe place to let loose and have fun!"

  • "The more I come to these workshops, the more I want to keep coming! The joy, vulnerability, curiosity, care and love that is co-created is something very special. I'm so grateful to be part of it."