I was privileged to attend Richmond Multicultural Community Services’ “Strengthening Our Cross-Cultural and Interfaith Connection” event.  To my surprise, it was an incredibly engaging and inspiring gathering. The organizers invited the Vancouver Playback Theatre (VPT) team to lead the session.

VPT specializes in Playback Theatre, an interactive form of improvisational theatre that allows audience members to share their stories, which are then enacted on the spot. Created in 1975, Playback Theatre is now used in over 70 countries worldwide to help bridge differences and honor the human condition.

Throughout the event, the VPT team used various interactive games, questions, sharing, and acting to guide us in experiencing the ability to express ourselves safely while respecting each other’s uniqueness. I wholeheartedly believe that this is the foundation for cross-cultural and interfaith connections.

The playback acts performed by the VPT team centered on my vision of 360 Community and fostering an inclusive community, which moved me to tears. I felt thoroughly listened to, understood, and no longer alone.