Stages of Empathy – Community Consultations and Playback Performance

WHO: Rebus: Theatre for Social Change is an inclusive theatre company based in the ACT. We create theatre performances and workshops with and for people with disabilities across Australia, and we’re excited to invite your organisation to be part of our most ambitious project yet – Stages of Empathy!

WHAT: In 2025, we will be touring an interactive theatre piece to community organisations and workplaces across Australia. This project will address the challenges and opportunities of working with diverse groups. Part theatre show, part workplace training, the performance is designed to engage audiences in workshop-style discussions about creating more inclusive and accessible environments.

To ensure this performance is impactful, we are conducting a consultation process to gather insights from community organisations. We’re reaching out to you to hear about your own experiences in navigating the creation of an accessible and inclusive workplace.

HOW: At this stage, we’d love to see you at one of the two 2-hour consultation sessions with members from community organisations. Participants will learn about the play, provide feedback, and share insights on how we can make the performance as relevant and relatable as possible. They will also be introduced to a style of theatre we use called Image Theatre.

As well as the consultations, all participants are encouraged to attend an interactive Playback Theatre performance, where stories from the audience are performed on stage by Rebus actors. This will be a fun and engaging way to reflect on the themes of inclusion and accessibility.

‘Stages of Empathy’ is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Find out more about Stages of Empathy here: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/stages-of-empathy/