Good People of Playback (Ozge Kovarik)

Meet Ozge Kovarik! 

How long have you lived in Memphis?

Since 2001

 How long have you been a part of Playback Memphis?

Since September 2015.

What/who inspired you to be an artist? or What/Who inspired you to get involved with Playback? 

The art form itself. I fell in love with psychodrama in high school and find the art of story- telling via theatre beautiful and impactful.

Spouse?

Damien

Children?

Derin and Asher

Pets?

Two dogs Marley and Maya, fish Goku, turtle Bingo

What do your friends and family think about your Playback-ing?

They think it’s wonderful and that I found my calling

How do you most love to spend your time when you are not Playback-ing?

Laughing with my family.

What is calling you to be brave these days?

Prejudice

What are the perks of being a Playback actor? or being a part of Playback?

The understanding of each other’s humanity and the balance of work/family life.

Where do you find joy in your life these days?

With my family and friends

What do you love about Memphis? 

I like that Memphis is a great small city and that I can get anywhere I need to within 20 minutes. I appreciate the diversity of my neighborhood, that my kids can walk to school, the rich and brave history of its people. The increased bike friendliness.

What’s challenging?

Poverty and lack of opportunity for many Memphians. Lack of a robust public transportation system for all. Public education.

What are you most proud of in your life and work?

My two sons and our dedication to do good work for all.

Second favorite Memphis non-profit?

It’s a tie: Church Health Center and JustCity

Why does Playback matter to you?

Because to Playback Memphis, everyone matters.

Why should Playback matter to others?

Because it is the only organization that I know that looks to find, and highlight each other’s humanity to friends and foe. Because if more people believe and support what we do, we will be more connected and accepting of our differences. We will be more peaceful and loving. And peace and love makes me happy 🙂

What audience would you like to engage through Playback that Playback hasn’t yet?

Memphis Muslim Community

What are the benefits of practicing Playback?

Being able to put my prejudices and judgements aside and see others not in a shadow of preconceived notions.

What’s your Playback dream?

That more and more people can experience the wonder and relief of playback and that we can grow our work deeper and wider in our community for a healthier, safer, more connected and whole village.

Quote to live by…

Your task is not to seek love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it. Rumi