Memphis Matters
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, 7pm
TheatreSouth, 1000 S. Cooper St., inside First Congregational Church
With Playback theatre, there is no script. Playback theatre thrives on spontaneous stories. At a Memphis Matters show, an audience member – a teller – will share a reflection, moment, or story – perhaps lighthearted or funny, perhaps moving or difficult. Then, our Ensemble plays that story back, reenacting the teller’s story with care, creativity, and compassion. This sharing and witnessing of stories affirms that each teller’s story deserves to be told, is valued, is accepted.
Through the words, movement, and music of a Memphis Matters show, the tellers, Ensemble, and audience share connection and dialogue through theatre that unites art and social change. Join us in celebrating and valuing the experiences and people of our city to unlock healing, transformation, and joy in Memphis — one story at a time.
Event Details
Participate how you feel most comfortable. Feel free to share a story, or simply sit back and watch the magic unfold. We welcome and value you as a teller or witness.
Interested in telling a story? Here are a couple of prompts to think over: What is rich and wonderful about life in Memphis? What can be complex and challenging?
Performances take place at TheatreSouth, located inside First Congregational Church at 1000 S. Cooper St. The entrance to the theatre is located on the south side of the church, to the right of the wooden ramp. Please park in the lot at Cooper Street and Walker Avenue. Check out our parking map to guide your way, and look for signs when you arrive.
Tickets
Regular tickets are $20 and support the work of Playback Memphis. If you would like to “pay it forward,” $40 tickets are also available and cover the cost of tickets for members of our Community Matter partner organizations to attend the performance highlighting their work.
Money should not be a barrier for participation. If you have concerns about ticket costs or have questions regarding your ability to attend, please reach out to Jalisa McGaha at [email protected] so we can make sure you are part of our story.
How Your Tickets “Pay It Forward”
When you choose a “Pay It Forward” ticket to Memphis Matters, you help Playback bring our storytelling tools to nonprofit organizations committed to strengthening community well-being and centering the voices, stories, and wisdom of marginalized peoples.
Each year, our Community Matters Partnership Program awards six local institutions a scholarship for a tailored performance or workshop. Led by members of our ensemble, Playback’s listening practices and story sharing help these nonprofits increase connectivity, meaning making, and trust within their communities.
Our Sponsors
Memphis Matters is supported by the Tennessee Arts Commission, ARTSmemphis, InDev Supported Living, and Huey’s Restaurants.
View our Covid Protocols for this event.
