Rehearsal for Reality, z.s.
About Us
Rehearsal for Reality z.s. is a registered participatory theatre association and cultural initiative that seeks to strengthen civic engagement, uphold human rights, promote social cohesion, and support global education and peace. We do this by creating spaces for groups experiencing injustice, and their allies, to tap into their power to foster new ways of personal and collective change, through theatre-based methods that spark dialogue and expression. We open aesthetic spaces that tell the truth about lived experience, and offer people opportunities to construct a new narrative, kickstart curiosity, and see conflict as a source of opportunity. Our projects and workshops strengthen collective power for change.
We work with community and civic groups, organizers, activists, humanitarian workers, peacebuilders and educators to devise interactive performances based on the real experiences of a shared social issue. We develop public forum theatre events for community dialogue, and policy theatre events for grassroots civic engagement and policy change. We offer workshops on theatre in global education, inclusion, and more using applied theatre methods.​
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Underpinning our work are techniques from Theatre for Living and Theatre of the Oppressed. Depending on the project aim and setting, we may also draw on playback theatre and other devised forms to explore social issues and transform them into something aesthetically powerful that asks honest questions, sparks meaningful dialogue, and supports real change – both in the rehearsal room, and in the real world.
Our Mission
We seek social equity, justice, and peace for all.
We aim to create a culture of dialogue, help diverse people find ways to live together, empower people and encourage them to participate in society, as well as promote personal, social and political processes of change.
We look to strengthen social cohesion, community building, and peace through innovative and participatory theatre experiences.
Our Values
We believe that a just society is one in which all voices are heard. And we believe that theatre is an ideal vehicle to express views and explore issues of concern. Our association and our work are thus guided by a set of core values.
Social equity
We work in ways that support people to live in peace and dignity, and to have equal access to opportunities regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or social status.
Inclusion
We aim to treat all individuals with respect and to approach each other and those we work with in an inclusive and non-judgmental manner.
Belief in Change
We uphold the belief that conflict is a source of possibility for individual and social change.
Partnership
We aim to create an ethos of collaboration that values contributions from all members, partners and service users.