# Witnessing, Embodying, and Connecting: A Phenomenological Study of Playback Theatre

## TL;DR

This study explores how Playback Theatre, a form of improvisational storytelling, affects people's self-awareness, empathy, and social connections.

## Contribution

The study provides new empirical insights into the psychological and social impact of Playback Theatre through a phenomenological lens.

## Key findings

- Participants experienced emotional release and self-discovery through Playback Theatre.
- The practice enhanced empathy and mutual understanding among participants.
- Safety and embodiment were key factors in the transformative experience of Playback Theatre.

## Abstract

Background: Playback Theatre is a participatory form of improvisational theatre that allows participants to share personal stories, which are then reenacted by performers in real time. Despite its increasing use in diverse contexts, such as education, healthcare, and social work, empirical research on its psychological and social impact remains limited. This study aimed to explore participants’ lived experiences of Playback Theatre, focusing on (1) how it fosters self-awareness and personal insight, (2) how it enhances understanding and empathy toward others, and (3) its overall psychological and social impact.

Methods: This study uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to investigate how individuals experience and interpret their participation in Playback Theatre. Forty-four participants took part in six sessions held in Tokyo, representing a diverse range of backgrounds, including healthcare, education, the arts, and individuals with no theatre experience. Written reflections were collected from all participants and analyzed thematically.

Results: Three core dimensions were identified: (1) self-awareness and personal transformation, encompassing experiences of emotional release and self-discovery; (2) reflections on others and interpersonal resonance, highlighting empathy and mutual understanding; and (3) overall reflections on the Playback Theatre experience, emphasizing the role of safety, embodiment, and the uniqueness of each session.

Conclusions: This study positions Playback Theatre as a psychologically transformative and socially enriching practice. It contributes to the fields of expressive arts therapy, embodiment in emotional processing, and the psychology of storytelling, offering valuable insights for practitioners in therapeutic, educational, and community settings.