We are a company of Black women artists of Afrikan/Caribbean descent who use playback theatre, forum theatre and other creative forms to explore diverse themes and stories, believing that everyone's experience is worth sharing and exploring.
We are committed through our work to encourage the empowerment of those who have historically been denied a voice, and to enhance opportunities for expression and connection for audiences to share collective and individual stories.
We acknowledge that by sharing our stories we tap into the griot (Afrikan storytelling) which is grounded in our ancestral heritage.
We are based in Bristol and are the UK's only black women's playback theatre company.
What is Playback Theatre?
Playback theatre is a unique form of interactive, improvisational theatre where audience members share personal stories / moments, which are then immediately brought to life by company members using drama, music and cloth. Playback theatre creates a space for telling and exploring personal stories, allowing audience members to feel heard, validated and connected, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of diverse experiences.
What is Forum Theatre?
Forum theatre is an interactive drama technique where actors perform scenes depicting a real life challenge, enabling audience interaction to explore different options for dealing with a problem or issue. During the performance the company encourages the audience to provide alternative outcomes and solutions to the challenge. Forum theatre creates a space for exploring complex issues, collective problem solving, and empathy, stimulating dialogue. Audience members witness their own stories reflected back, connect with others experiences, practice alternative responses and feel empowered to take action.
What we offer...
Breathing Fire performers bring a wealth of experience beyond playback and forum theatre performance, including professional backgrounds in children's services, health and social care, community activism, mentoring, youth work, counselling, equality and diversity, teaching, training and project management. We draw on these skills to create inclusive, values-driven interactions with our audiences and workshop participants, valuing their life experiences.
PERFORMANCES
Breathing Fire performances are unique events which are created in collaboration with audiences through the stories they share.
Audiences have expressed how they have felt listened to, uplifted, moved and connected with others, through sharing life experiences and trusting us with their previously untold stories.
WORKSHOPS
Breathing Fire workshops offer a space for fun, creativity and confidence building. Explore themes, share stories and grow in a supportive, empowering environment. Participant find our workshops thought provoking, energising enriching and transformative - no drama experience needed.
