2 Approaches
Written by Sandy Brown
I like to think that our work at the Finding Human Project is to build community by building theatre. If we build good theatre pieces, we build the community around us.
I believe this is true, but. . .What if?
What if I turn this on its head?
What if the focus of the Finding Human Project is not on building community-positive theatre pieces, but upon strengthening the bonds between the people that surround us?
What if we concentrated on the people in the story, and let anything theatrical flow from what the people are saying and doing?
Do you see the two different approaches?
In the first approach, I am going to people around me trying to convince them that the project idea I have will be a good one for our community. I may have a fantastic idea that will have a positive impact on the world, but it is my idea, and others are helping me with it.
In the second approach, I am listening to the people around me, helping those same people to listen to each other, and letting the project grow from what we hear each other saying. This way the project becomes the community’s idea.
I am struggling with the nuances of these two approaches, but I think they are crucial.
A few months ago I came up with the idea of developing a verbatim theater production telling the story of Camp Hope; a square block of Washington State-owned property where, at one time, over 600 unhoused people lived.
I want to tell this highly controversial story by telling the stories of the people who have lived there and around there.
With my first approach I would structure, probably a historical timeline, and then gather stories to plug into that structure. The resulting piece of theater would likely create greater understanding and build bridges between people.
In my second approach, I would dive into interviews and listen to stories.
I would learn what is going on with agencies and people who are trying to solve problems associated with homelessness.
I would listen to the questions that others have, and bring people together in groups to share what they need, and what they are doing about those needs.
Along the way, stories will emerge.
The two processes might arrive at a similar place, but have two different goals:
Build understanding by devising and performing a play.
VS.
Build bridges between people about the experience of homelessness using our training as storytellers, letting their stories emerge.
Is the Finding Human Project a theater company? Are we something else?
Paper Birds is a UK company that defines their vision as: Changing the world, one encounter at a time. They state their mission as: We are quiet rebels; amplifying the voices of everyday people. We provoke and inspire change through the theatre we create.
Yeah. That’s who we at FHP want to be when we grow up. Stay tuned. Our journey is just beginning.
