The original Playback Theatre Company came together in 1975, with Jonathan Fox as its director. This was in upstate New York and was part of the experimental theatre explorations of the 1970s which were looking for ways of reaching out to its audience, bringing theatre closer to the everyday reality of the community, and breaking away from the scripted literary tradition of theatre.
Another important influence in the development of Playback Theatre has been the Psychodrama of J L Moreno. Moreno’s articulation of spontaneity and the release of creative energy is a major inspiration. Authenticity in the spontaneous moment underlies Playback Theatre practice.
Another shared value is in Moreno’s inclusiveness – it mattered to him that every individual could feel they had a place within the collective. Playback Theatre creates a ritual space where any story – however ordinary, extraordinary, hidden or difficult – might be told. And where each person’s uniqueness is honoured and affirmed while at the same time building and strengthening our connections to each other as a community of people.
Since 1975, Playback Theatre has spread across the world with companies and practitioners in over 26 countries. It thrives in a variety of settings, existing as community theatre gatherings as well as a professional service to both the business and social sector.