CONDUCTING & SOCIAL JUSTICE IN PLAYBACK THEATRE: A weekend of workshops with Gerry Orkin

Saturday 17th May 2025, 10am - 6:30pm: The Stories of Some of Us (on social justice in Playback Theatre)

Sunday 18th May 2025, 10am - 5:3pm: Rock and Water (on conducting in Playback Theatre)

Venue: Steps Studio, 90 Hanbury Street, London, E1 5JL (step-free access)

These two stand alone workshops (which can be taken together) are designed to broaden your understanding of the social dimensions of stories in Playback Theatre, and of the complex role of the conductor, the holder of the beating heart of any Playback Theatre performance. See more details on each workshop below.

Why?
Playback Theatre offers a space to explore challenging, complex and sensitive topics with creativity, empathy, and support. Together, we’ll create a nourishing environment where difficult questions and diverse narratives and skills can thrive!

Who is this training for?
The workshops are suitable for those who have completed core training in Playback Theatre (or equivalent), or who have at least 6 months experience in an active Playback Theatre company.

Who will deliver the training?
These workshops are co-hosted by True Heart Theatre and London Playback Theatre, and facilitated by Gerry Orkin.

Gerry is an Australian playback practitioner whose involvement with Playback Theatre began in 1985. He was an actor, conductor and co-director of Canberra Playback Theatre over a period of 25 years. More recently he directed a Playback company in Wollongong, New South Wales.

Gerry has a special interest in training conductors, bringing artistry to the stage, and helping companies work with the social dimensions of stories. He has led workshops on those topics in Australia, Singapore, Greece, Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong, India, the UK and Portugal.

Gerry is a faculty member and board member of the Australasian School of Playback Theatre and is involved with community building in the region as well as internationally. He has a professional background in social policy and service development, and has worked on issues like homelessness, violence against women and child protection for government and non-government agencies.

How much does it cost?
Both workshops - £130

Both workshops Global Majority Scholarship* (4 available) - £110

The Stories of Some of Us (social justice) - £75

The Stories of Some of Us (social justice) Global Majority Scholarship* (4 available) - £65

Rock and Water (conducting) - £70

Rock and Water (conducting) Global Majority Scholarship* (4 available) - £60

*Global Majority Scholarships are available for anyone who identifies as Global Majority, Black, Brown, Asian and/or Mixed Heritage.

Is the venue accessible?

The venue and studio are wheelchair accessible. If you have further access needs, please let us know when you book.

I want more information on each workshop

Please follow this link to the ticket page, where each workshop is outlined in more detail.

I have other questions!

Please email londonplayback@gmail.com and we'll do our best to answer them!

PUBLIC PERFORMANCE: Stories of Change

Sunday 8th June 2025, 5 - 6:30pm: Rosemary Branch Theatre

SAVE THE DATE - Booking will open soon!

What has it taken to spark change in your life, and how does it feel when everything shifts? Stories of Change invites you to share and witness true moments of transformation, brought to life through the spontaneous magic of playback theatre.

The London Playback Team is a vibrant, multi-cultural collective of theatre makers, educators, activists, and wellbeing professionals. To find out more about Playback Theatre and how it works, have a look here. 

Rosemary Branch Theatre

Thank you to our wonderful audience for the depth and breadth of your stories, for all the different moments that changed your lives!

From samba dancing, meditation, recovery and rugby to war, moving countries unexpectedly, family illness, indecision and setting healthy boundaries, you trusted us to enact so many facets of the human condition 🧡

This show reminded us what a heck of a privilege it is to do playback!

Photo credit: Lama Amine