Integration
I recently had the opportunity to perform solo playback following Antonio Rocha’s acclaimed solo performance “The Malaga Ship” in Castine, Maine. We were a part of an afternoon of programming that also included Kate McMahon’s talk on Maine and the Slave Trade.
“Magic! Pure magic!”
Antonio’s show packs a powerful punch. Have you seen it? If so, you know that the way he exquisitely weaves history with his own personal narrative, how he embodies the ship and brings history to life, is unforgettable.
In the aftermath of his performance I took to the stage, facilitating a gentle energetic shift for the audience, inviting them to interact and play to loosen up their bodies and voices in preparation for the collaboration that playback asks of us.
After initial words were played back, two audience members had the chance to tell their stories. One later reached out to the organizer and wrote:
I loved the experience of having my story be transformed into dance and music by your friend Erin. It was incredibly powerful and I wish we'd had time to process it as it sort of blew my mind and released it into the field and offered it like falling leaves to nourish others. Do you have a recording of that??????? I HOPE SO!
I have never recorded my playback shows since I feel doing so would inhibit the participation of audience members. (I may experiment in the future with recording just the playback portion, not the storytelling…) I am thrilled that this person felt so vividly seen and even transformed by the experience. Playback is cathartic and a powerful way to see ourselves in others.
Are you a part of a group that could use some integration? Let’s talk. There is nothing like the power of playback to transform and uplift our experiences. Whether in person or online, playback is a potent tool for bringing together differing voices, for exploring future possibilities, for integrating past experiences, you name it. Let’s talk about what playback can do for you and your group!
