“When I see a swastika, I think of genocide and the death of my people.”

“It's just a kid expressing anger at adults and society.”

“Let's not blow this out of proportion.”

“We have to educate so it never happens again.”

Responding to the recent appearance of swastikas at the Boiler Room and other locations in Port Townsend, the Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble presents a theatrical dialogue exploring thoughts and feelings that come up, intention versus impact, and how to keep our community safe and healthy for all people. This performance is part of a series of creative and educational events sponsored by the Boiler Room in response to the swastikas. The Boiler Room does not condone hate symbols or slurs, regardless of intention. However recent comments such as the ones above show the complexity and controversy that is stirred when powerful symbols of hate appear in our community. All are invited to participate and/or witness this dynamic event. Please note that youth voices will be given priority in the dialogue. There will also be an opportunity for people who have been oppressed because of their religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. to share their experience.

As interpreted by the Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble, audience stories, struggles, and ideas will be brought to life through physical imagery and improvisation. The audience will ultimately be invited onstage in order 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.

Now in its 8th season, Port Townsend’s Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble is a multi-generational troupe (currently ages 16-82) of local actor/activists who use interactive theatre as a tool for awareness 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 program of the Mandala Center, the Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble was developed as a local community resource to stimulate deep dialogue and invite positive action towards the creation of a more just and joyous world for all people.