A teenage boy shares his most vulnerable story in front of classmates then watches as a group of young actors playback the scenario and possible resolutions.
For most teens this situation is intimidating, to say the least. But it's exactly what Richmond in 3D (Diversity, Dialogue and Drama) encourages. The performing youth troupe travels to schools, community groups, and service organizations to promote positive action and dialogue around issues of diversity.
"Part of the power of the project is that it's youth leading youth," said assistant project director Mark Pawson. "The kids at the schools are more inclined to open up to them. It's not intimidating for them."
And the kids do open up, sharing stories about being bullied at school or at home, about a friend who has committed suicide or about how they themselves have contemplated suicide.
A typical session begins with a warm up exercise. Volunteers from the audience then take turns telling personal stories. The actors, in true improv style, act out the stories using mime, music, movement and voice.
Once the playback performance is complete, the audience thinks of ways to turn the story into a positive one.
"We play it back to them, and ask, 'Ok, how can we make this better?'" said Pawson, who has been with the troupe since it began three years ago. "We encourage them to create solutions and make adjustments. It's more powerful for them."
The audience is then divided into small discussion groups, with a member from the troupe leading each group.
The students share more stories and discuss different ways to celebrate diversity before bringing the discussion back to the larger group.
The troupe's graphic artist creates a colourful mural with all the discussion points that emerged out of the small group discussions.
The troupe - comprised of about 23 members ranging in age from 14 to 20-somethings - will be at the Richmond Cultural Centre this Saturday, Sept. 29 to celebrate Culture Days.
"As an art form, playback theatre is special for creating dialogue in a safe space," said Pawson. "It gives the troupe feelings of confidence and the power to lead others to help them feel better about themselves. For the participants, many have said the workshops have really changed them. Some say they're not bullied anymore. It's really a force for change."
Richmond in 3D provides an opportunity for its members to learn valuable skills from acting, to facilitating a discussion, to listening.
Pawson, along with two other trained professionals, help the youth develop and learn. But ultimately, it provides a safe space for the members as well, where they've formed a supportive network of friends.
"I fell in love with it immediately," said 16-year-old Katerina Ostrovsky, a three-year member. "Everyone who joins is like a perfect fit. We all laugh together, but we can also be serious when we have to be.
"One time, one of us was feeling pretty down, and we all really got together to support him. We didn't even have to know the reason, but we knew something was wrong and we didn't want him to feel that way."
The McRoberts secondary student finds the troupe has helped her in other aspects of school, particularly in honing her leadership skills as co-lead of the drama club.
"It's comforting that everyone is so supportive," said Katerina, brimming with enthusiasm, as she talked about the crew. "We just go out there and have fun. We feed off the ideas and energies of each other."
Although sometimes tears are shed, the act is one of catharsis, a positive release, which is a result of the unique art form.
"They never feel damaged, where they can't go on," said Pawson. "It really enables group bonding, where people share both their troubles and their joys."
Besides their Culture Days performance, the group is in the middle of visiting William Cook elementary's Grade 7 classe in two three-part anti-bullying workshops. The first part focuses on introductions where they play a documentary about what the troupe is about. They get to the acting and storytelling in the following two sessions.
"We don't force people to participate and act if they don't want to," said Katerina, acknowledging the difficulty that sometimes comes with engaging self-conscious Grade 7s.
"But we find other ways to engage those who are more shy and keep them interested. It's surprising how many want to participate, though."
Saturday's show is open to the public and focuses on dialogue between children of new immigrants and their parents, as they grapple with maintaining traditional values in a Canadian setting. The performance is free and runs from 1: 30 to 4 p.m. To RSVP, email stefanie@rmcs. bc.ca or call 604-248-0433.
Richmond in 3D is funded by Richmond Multicultural Community Services and the province. For more information on the troupe, or to become a member, visit www.iamrichmond.ca and click on the "Our Programs" tab, or email [email protected].
