PaperBag PlayBack Theatre is a company of improvisational performers specialising in the use of playback theatre to spontaneously re-create peoples’ individual stories and life experiences.  The troupe was established in 1997 by Sally Swain primarily as a forum to practise the art of playback.  At the time Sally was the administrator of the Sydney Drama Action Centre when she brought together a (not-so-temporary) troupe to perform at an event she was organising. For several years, the overriding focus of the group was on sharing stories and engaging in playback for each other i.e. an emphasis on building and maintaining community, and for personal growth. Gradually the focus has broadened to include more performing and outreach work.  Today the company regularly conducts public and commissioned performances throughout the year and is a member of the International Playback Theatre Network (IPTN).

 

They [the actors] displayed extraordinary inventiveness, empathy, understanding, imagination and co-operation. And they were funny when appropriate. This kind of theatre takes courage…… I applaud PaperBag's commitment and energy. And their professionalism.

Martin Wesley-Smith, East Timor Benefit Performance