Verbal Gymnastics is an interactive theatre troupe that combines storytelling and community. Based in Washington DC, Verbal Gymnastics believes that our stories make us who we are and shape how we see the world. The theatre troupe goes around the country building community connections through live interactive storytelling called Playback Theatre.
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
Playback Theatre is an interactive performance in which the stories from the audience are reenacted live through song, dance, and acting. Since 1975, Playback Theatre has been practiced in over 70 countries to help build bridges and celebrate the human condition. The performance starts with a host or conductor, who gets a range of perspectives and ideas offered by the audience. Then, a cast of actors musicians and storytellers, transform the audience’s stories into their own play. The performances can range from being fanciful and funny to realistically tragic. But overall, Playback Theatre is about drawing people closer by emphasizing the importance of common humanity.
About the Founder
John A Johnson is the founder and creator of Verbal Gymnastics Theater Company. He holds a B.A in Theater Arts from The University of the District of Columbia. Additionally Mr. Johnson is a published author and playwright who has contributed much to Washington DC, his native city. His most recent contribution was a radio project called “Anacostia Unmapped”, which focuses on the stories of DC locals in rapidly changing communities. Mr. Johnson uses a unique form of theater to speak about race, cultural preservation, and the effects of economic development in Washington, D.C.
Aside from Playback Theatre, Verbal Gymnastics also has interactive poetry and storytelling workshops throughout the year at various venues around the country. Their next performance by Verbal Gymnastics will be on Friday, September 27th at the “Art All Night” show in the Hounfleur Art Gallery. All shows are free and open to the public.
Leave a Reply