People’s Playback is an interactive theatre company that uses music, movement and dialogue to bring stories from the audience to life; creating space for transformation, connection and empathy through a diverse chorus of human experiences.
Company Bio:
People’s Playback is a multi-generational, ethnically and physically diverse ensemble company seeking to create space for transformation, connection and empathy through a diverse chorus of human experiences. As audience members share moments from their lives and watch them embodied on stage, the heart and essence of their stories rise and lift us all. Over the course of the performance after many voices have been heard, it reminds us of our common humanity; reveals different perspectives; promotes deep listening, welcoming any voice to be heard and stimulates post show dialogue and reflection.
MEET THE ENSEMBLE…
Amaris Baker has been involved in theater and acting since high school, growing up in Papillion, Nebraska. She has directed, written, produced, and starred in plays educating students and faculty on different cultures and nationalities. Amaris has a Masters in counseling and is currently a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Amaris has been involved in Nappywood LA and the Pan African Film Festival, modeling and volunteering for many years at shows and events throughout LA.
Tessa Cisneros is a dedicated movement teacher, specializing in gymnastics, yoga, and somatic arts. She is passionate about heart-centered improv acting. Playback theatre has played a significant role in her healing journey, as she values expression and active listening as essential components of the craft.
LaTianna Williams’ love for theater started in high school, performing in Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” She trained in improvisational theater under Viola Spolin’s granddaughter, Aretha Sills. She is an artistic therapist who enjoys creating fashion content, doing voice overs, traveling overseas, reading personal and spiritual development books, and dancing.
Mary Bleier has worked as a Theatre Director, Acting teacher and Theatre Artist for over 30 years. With a focus on applying theatre arts to healing and activism, she has produced and performed in work centering around the themes of Queer identity, sexual trauma, women’s rights, and cultural identity.
Rachel Brousseau (she/her) has been improvising for over 20 years in both Chicago and Los Angeles. She is a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT), combining her theatre background with her licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist to help people heal using the creative arts. She has presented at various conferences on the use of storytelling for healing.
Adriohn Richardson is a Chicago-born and raised Renaissance man. He is a creative force passionately and purposefully utilizing his gifts and talents as an actor, recording artist/songwriter, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and social change agent. He’s starred in plays, children’s theater, commercials, films, and TV and Adriohn’s music has been licensed in major films and television.
Kristy Pace has been performing Playback Theatre for over 20 years. She was trained by the founders of Playback Theatre Jonathan Fox and Jo Salas and has studied Theatre of the Oppressed with Augusto Boal and Julian Boal. Kristy works as an Arts Integration Coach, Teaching Artist, Urban Beekeeper, Certified Council Trainer and Listening Hour Practitioner and is strong supporter of artivism, embodied learning and building community through sharing of personal stories.