Workshop Overview

Playback Theatre is a form of community theatre often possessing a 'healing power'. This leads to frequent misunderstanding and direct misuse as 'therapy'. Without a true understanding of its core principles and the source of its healing nature, applying it to psychotherapeutic contexts can be ineffective, distort its effects, or even cause harm. This misuse is particularly common in the field of Dramatherapy.

This workshop explores the boundaries between Playback Theatre and Dramatherapy, and examines the considerations and possibilities for the transformative application of Playback Theatre in psychotherapeutic/dramatherapy settings.

Course Content

Over 12 hours, the instructor will explore and explain the following topics from both experiential and theoretical perspectives:

1. Core concepts and basic principles of Playback Theatre
2. Basic principles and application conditions of psychotherapy
3. Basic principles and formal possibilities of Dramatherapy
4. The source of the healing power in Playback Theatre
5. Misuse of Playback Theatre in psychotherapeutic contexts
6. Misuse of Playback Theatre in Dramatherapy contexts
7. Possibilities of applying Playback Theatre in therapeutic contexts
8. Differences between a Conductor/Host and a Therapist
9. Required Conductor/Host skills in therapeutic contexts
10. The relationship between story, self-identity construction, and community connection
11. Application principles and skills for the 'Conductor/Host' role in therapeutic contexts
12. Application principles and skills for the 'Actor' and 'Musician' roles in therapeutic contexts
13. Management of 'Ritual' and 'Social Dialogue' and necessary adjustments in therapeutic contexts
14. The importance of 'Artistry' in therapeutic contexts
15. 'Direct Intervention' vs. 'Indirect Support' in therapy

Origins of Playback Theatre

Playback Theatre was founded in 1975 in New York, USA, by Jonathan Fox, Jo Salas, and their troupe members. It combines theatre, psychodrama, and the rituals and spirit of primitive tribal gatherings, developing into an improvisational theatrical form that deeply touches audiences and is close to daily life. It has been widely applied across different fields globally for many years.

Target Audience

This workshop is suitable for social workers, teachers, professionals related to psychology, practitioners of Playback Theatre, and anyone wishing to further understand Playback Theatre. No prior Playback Theatre experience is required.

Instructor Profile

Larry Ng (Siu Hei Ng) from Hong Kong

Larry is a highly experienced practitioner with training in Lecoq-based physical theatre and Decroux corporeal mime from London. He is a registered hypnotherapist (IMDHA), a trainee drama therapist within the American Drama Therapy Association system, and has studied psychodrama and Satir model therapy. He holds a BA (First Class Hons) and MA in Philosophy from CUHK, and a Master of Drama Education from Griffith University. He has taught at various universities and institutions in Hong Kong and internationally, and has extensive performance experience as an actor, director, and movement coach.

Practical Details

• Organizer: Zero Distance Cooperative
• Dates & Schedule:
  • January 9, 2020 (Thu): 19:00–22:00 (3 hours)
  • January 10, 2020 (Fri): 19:00–22:00 (3 hours)
  • January 11, 2020 (Sat): 10:00–13:00 & 14:30–17:30 (6 hours)
• Venue: Blank Space (TCAG Basement, next to Pui Tou Middle School, Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues Avenue)
• Capacity: 20 participants
• Fees:
  • Standard Price: MOP 1,800 per person
  • Early Bird Discount (by Dec 26, 2019):
    • Group of 3: MOP 1,000 per person
    • Group of 2: MOP 1,200 per person
    • Single: MOP 1,400 per person
  • Post-Early Bird Group Discount:
    • Group of 3: MOP 1,500 per person
    • Group of 2: MOP 1,600 per person
• Registration Deadline: January 5, 2020, or until full
• Certificate: Participants with 75% attendance may receive a certificate of attendance upon the instructor's approval.

Registration & Enquiries

• Phone/WhatsApp: +853 6666 0863 (Ms. Tai)
• Email: [email protected]
• Registration Method: Complete the online form and transfer the fee to the designated bank account. Send the payment slip by the specified deadline.