Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble
  Now in its 6th season, Port Townsend’s Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble is a multi-generational troupe (currently ages 15-80) of actor/activists who use interactive theatre as a tool for community dialogue and social change. The approach is based on the Theatre of the Oppressed (T.O.) work of Brazilian, Augusto Boal and Playback Theatre developed by Americans, Jonathan Fox and Jo Salas. These techniques are used all over the world for social and political activism, conflict resolution, community-building, therapy, and government legislation. A community service program of the Mandala Center, the Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble was developed as a local community resource to stimulate deep dialogue around burning social issues and invite positive action towards the creation of a more just and joyous world for all people.



Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble '06-'07:

Top - Zeke Wakefield (musician), Mickey McKinney, Daniel Nidzgorski, Kirsten Wright, Justen Till
Middle - Becky Plant, Ashnie Palmer, Erica Brunquist, Maureen Freehill, JJ Jenkins
Bottom - Marc Weinblatt, Alia Stevens, Camille Hildebrandt, Karolina Anderson
   


 

How does Poetic Justice work? We come with nothing scripted or prepared except for a few theatrical devices meant to draw out and reflect the truth and wisdom of people in the room. Audience stories, struggles, successes, and dreams for the future are brought to life through physical imagery and improvisation. The audience is ultimately invited onstage to actively explore solutions to the complex questions raised. It can literally be a rehearsal for the future in which audience “spect-actors” take action towards creating the kind of world they want. Audiences are frequently left with richer awareness as well as a greater belief in their ability to effect change in their own lives.

The ensemble is prepared to work with any issue or population and offers itself as a free service to local groups in need, particularly those struggling with issues of marginalization.

In the 2006-07 season, Poetic Justice did a series of private performances for youth at Port Townsend High School and the Jefferson County Health Dept’s “Peer-In” youth support group as well as for elder assisted living residents at Victoria House and Marine Plaza, among others.

Free open-to-the-public performances in the 2006-07 season included “Flying or Dying” at the Boiler Room exploring substance abuse, “Cracks in the Rainbow” and “Stereotype Straightjackets” exploring gender and sexual orientation issues.

A major focus of the 2005-06 season was our Seniors/Elders project, "The Wisdom Keepers" -- a series of interactive performance / dialogues on what is like to grow older in today’s society. For more info on this project click here.

   
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Mandala Center
510 35th St
Port Townsend, WA
98368
360-344-3435
info@mandalaforchange.com